Being highly sensitive is not something you can become; you are born with it. In this article, you will learn how to perceive high sensitivity as a talent rather than a burden. Approximately one in five people has an innate sensitivity to stimuli.
Although high sensitivity is innate, the environment largely determines how a highly sensitive person (HSP) feels and functions. Deep processing plays a significant role in this.
Deep Processing
Highly sensitive individuals have deep processing abilities. This means that before taking action, they first assess the situation, then evaluate the opportunities and risks, and only then take action. So, they need some time before they can respond. Allow yourself and others the time needed.
Challenges with High Sensitivity
Some HSPs are extremely sensitive to rejection, which can be exhausting. Constantly thinking that others know better can lead to self-doubt, seeking confirmation, and approval from others. That's why it's incredibly important to know your talents so you can fully embrace them. The Talent Motivation Analysis (TMA) is an excellent tool for this. The TMA provides a clear picture of your greatest strength. Many HSPs have a high level of self-reflection, meaning they are good at scrutinizing themselves. A self-reflective person is more sensitive to atmospheres and emotionally involved than others. This can lead to perfectionism, insecurity, and fear of failure.
The measurable positive results after several coaching sessions, such as increased self-confidence, greater resilience, and improved adaptability, always surprise me.
Not All HSPs Encounter Problems due to Their Sensitivity
As an HSP, you experience situations more intensely due to deep processing, resulting in different needs than those of non-highly sensitive individuals. HSPs also have a deep need to 'belong'.
In the TMA Talent Analysis, I often see high social empathy in HSPs. I also refer to this as a significant 'social antenna'. This means having a strong ability to empathize with and understand others.
It is common for an HSP to feel others' emotions and feelings so intensely that they almost take them over. This can lead to self-doubt, resulting in low self-esteem, excessive helping of others at the expense of oneself, or increased stress levels.
In this situation as well, knowing who you are, what you can do, and what your personal values are is crucial for resilience. This helps you recognize the pitfalls of high sensitivity more easily.
Pitfalls of High Sensitivity
- Overstimulation
- Feeling lonely
- Sensitive to rejection
Qualities of Highly Sensitive Individuals
- Work from the heart
- Strong associative ability
- Creative
It helps immensely to optimize all circumstances in your life to prevent overstimulation as much as possible. This includes incorporating enough recovery moments.
The Ideal Employee
Highly sensitive employees are pleasant and collegial. They work with attention to detail while also seeing the bigger picture. They can also perceive what is happening beneath the surface. Essentially, a highly sensitive employee is the ideal employee.
When HSPs are in balance and manage to prevent overstimulation from external and internal stimuli, they are less likely to exceed their own limits. However, intense fatigue, perfectionism, and fear of failure pose a risk for absenteeism.
Preventing Overstimulation
- Take extra breaks during the day,
- Use "noise-canceling" headphones in open-plan offices,
- Recharge actively by engaging in activities like sports, walking, or spending time in nature.
Coaching Helps
Coaching with the TMA Talent Analysis greatly helps to see high sensitivity as a strength and talent rather than a burden. Do you want to turn your burden into a strength? Contact me, Larinda Bok of Hoogbegaafdexpert.
My approach focuses on "coping," which is how you deal with high sensitivity. I work intuitively and with scientifically supported models such as the Talent Motivation Analysis as a personality assessment and the ACT methodology.
In addition, you benefit from my business, psychological, management, and nursing knowledge, as well as years of work and life experience.
My motto is reflected in the following wish: "I believe you should know who you are, feel what you feel, and think what you think, so you can become who you truly are."