When asked what their least favorite trait of high sensitivity is, people will often answer that feeling easily overwhelmed is top of their list. I remember interacting with a new boss early in my professional career who managed his staff by heaping loads of projects, deadlines, and assignments on me until I cried 'uncle.' He then mocked me (in a fun-loving way, of course) by parroting back to me in a sarcastic voice, "I feel so overwhelmed!" ... Read More
HSP Careers
Building an HSP Growth Mindset
As a psychologist specializing in helping people with the Highly Sensitive Person trait (HSP), I’ve observed that HSPs are prone to pushing themselves to do more, do it better, and make a positive impact on their own lives and the world around them. I love this quality of HSPs. This push towards growth is a sign of health, creativity, and being well-adjusted. But it can come with a dark side if we do not manage our HSP tendencies to overthink and to feel too deeply. We need an HSP growth mindset to balance our drive to grow and our need to do it sustainably.... Read More
Managing and Working with Highly Sensitive People
In the workplace, the characteristics of the trait can show up as both beneficial and challenging--not only for the HSP, but for their managers and coworkers, too. Managing and working with Highly Sensitive People well is a worthy goal. ... Read More
3 Habits to Becoming Your Best Highly Sensitive Self at Work
If you are one of the 15-20% of the population who has the highly sensitive trait, you know how challenging everyday situations can be — with environments and also with people. While no one can control every situation, there are things Highly Sensitive People (HSP) can do at their workplace to minimize environmental stimulation and emotional energy overload. ... Read More
Thriving as a Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur
There's lots of discussion in the highly sensitive community about the best jobs for Highly Sensitive People. It seems we've earned the self-imposed reputation for cultivating careers that work best for our need for quiet, self-directed, focused work. I've been a highly sensitive entrepreneur for 20 years (even though I didn't know about the HSP trait until a handful of years ago). Right out of college, I had experience cubicle life working in high-tech public relations. I knew that I would eventually go into business for myself.... Read More
Single Tasking Instead of Multitasking Game Changer for HSP Women
If you learn early on in life that multitasking allows you to get more done, you can fall into the trap of feeling like you always should be multitasking instead of single-tasking--no matter what is going on and whether you're highly sensitive or not. There's something in the nature of highly sensitive women and our people-pleasing natures that impact the ways we juggle multiple things at once versus doing one thing at a time. While I do enjoy walking or driving and listening to podcasts, and while I can clean the kitchen while talking to one of my kids about their day, when it comes to high-level tasks that require focused attention and strong concentration, single-tasking wins over multitasking every time.... Read More