I often shrink away from the gracious recognition I have received for helping students or for launching a major initiative. Many times I downplay my many accomplishments because I simply do not want to be in the limelight. I work best in the background — sometimes, I strive to work in the shadows. I want to simply be regular.
I feel like this is a very valid thing to worry about. Sometimes, it's great to be well-known by varieties of people for your accomplishments, however it may also be stressful when the thought of their expectations comes into play. Lots of people knowing you as a good person is nice, but then what if they expect you to continue being above others in other things as well? It's important to remember that while you do need to do well on your own in general, you don't always really need to go by someone else's expectations when it isn't necessary.