Yes. Thank you. Read my mind. Thought you’d never ask.

What’s the worst part about having to do everything yourself?

I’ll give you a hint.

It’s not the workload. Nor is the resulting stress and burnout.

No, the problem is reinforcing your belief that nobody else is capable.

Now that’s a shitty feeling. It’s even worse than being overwhelmed and exhausted. Because it creates the perception of limited choice. And I don’t like thinking that the only choices are to either do everything myself, or to watch tasks fall through the cracks.

I admit there’s a nice stroke to my ego in that scenario. I enjoy the pride and usefulness that comes when life forces me to take the reins and call the shots. More responsibility leads to more meaning. What’s not to like? That’s been the case for me countless times in my personal and professional endeavors.

But despite my fierce individualism, I actually don’t want to live in a world where, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. I know it’s romantic and rebellious. But as much as I love relying on myself and not having to involve other people, what I would really love is for someone, to come up to me and say that they have the situation under control.

I want to hear words like, I’ve got this, I’ll take care of it, let me handle this, I’ll take it from here, don’t worry I’ve got it covered.

It’s like going on a cross country road trip, and about six hours in, your friend tells you, dude, you look tired. How about you let me drive through the next state while you get some z’s?

Yes. Thank you. Read my mind. Thought you’d never ask. Okay, let’s pull over and trade seats before I doze off behind the wheel and slam us into a snow bank. See you in a few hours. Only wake me up if we come across an angry moose, or you’re thinking of driving us off a cliff into a ravine.

And, exhale.

Where did your work ethic come from?