Why I Will No Longer Be Superman

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worn my “Superman” badge with pride, the person who could handle anything, fix everything, and still show up with a smile. I gave more than 100% every day, pouring every ounce of myself into work, community, and life. It wasn’t about recognition or validation, it was about purpose. I wanted to make a difference, to serve others, to drive meaningful change.

But somewhere along the way, I forgot that even Superman has his limits.

The Myth of Limitless Strength

There’s a quiet pressure that comes with being “the reliable one.” The one people turn to when they need clarity, calm, or leadership. You tell yourself it’s manageable, that you’ll rest later, that your resilience will always pull you through. But what you don’t realise is that constantly operating at full capacity slowly drains the reserves that keep you grounded, your health, your energy, your peace.

Burnout doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It creeps in quietly. It looks like restlessness when you finally stop. It feels like emotional exhaustion masked by autopilot. It’s losing joy in the very things that once fuelled you.

Giving More Than 100% — At What Cost?

For years, I believed that giving 100% wasn’t enough, that true commitment meant pushing past my limits, that rest was a luxury rather than a necessity. I poured myself into every project, every cause, every opportunity to make an impact.

And yes, it produced results. But it also produced fatigue. Because the truth is: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Giving more than 100% every day isn’t sustainable, it’s self-sacrifice disguised as dedication.

The Turning Point

The moment of realisation wasn’t dramatic. It came during one of those quiet pauses when the emails stopped and the world felt still for a moment. I realised that in trying to be everything to everyone, I was leaving nothing for myself.

I had been trying to save the world , but ignoring the small, quiet signals that my body and mind were sending me. And that’s the danger of burnout: it doesn’t just take your energy; it steals your joy, your creativity, and sometimes even your sense of purpose.

Reclaiming Balance

So, I’ve decided: I will no longer be Superman.

I’m learning that true strength isn’t in doing it all, it’s in knowing when to stop, when to breathe, when to ask for help. It’s recognising that self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential. Because when you protect your wellbeing, you protect your ability to make a difference.

Rest is not a sign of weakness, it’s an act of respect for your future self.

The New Commitment

I’ll still give my best. I’ll still show up with passion and purpose. But I’ll do so from a place of balance, not depletion. My new goal is sustainability, to create impact without losing myself in the process.

Because the world doesn’t need more superheroes who burn out. It needs more people who lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and care for others and for themselves.

So no, I’m not Superman anymore.

I’m just Deon, human, passionate, and learning that the most powerful thing I can do is take care of me too.