Ruth Lynch, Author at HSP Coach Ruth

4 Traits Of Highly Successful People Who Are Also Highly Sensitive

High sensitivity can sometimes feel like a burden, especially in the workplace. While it may seem like things can get in the way of an HSP connecting with their peers and thriving at work, that is not always the case. Here are four traits of highly successful people, that are also commonly part of the HSP lifestyle.

#1 HSPs are oftentimes extremely intuitive and perceptive

Their intuition and perceptiveness can be two of the most impressive traits of highly successful people. This can be as simple as recognizing a change in someone’s energy as they walk into a room or as complex as the slightest facial change when delivering news. These quiet subtleties can go unnoticed by the average person, but not by an HSP.

This can not only help them with their ability to be a leader, but also with their ability to develop culture in the workplace. HSPs may not attend all the parties, but their ability to read the room and develop best practices that support the comfort of their peers is uncanny. HSPs often know what their team is feeling, without the team actually saying anything at all.

This ability can alleviate awkward conversations, create an open-door policy that is truly open-door, and help an HSP make effective decisions with honest and open feedback. This level of intuition can’t be learned or developed to the level that an HSP naturally is gifted, creating a unique superpower that can help their workplace thrive.

#2 Highly successful people are creative and imaginative, both common traits among highly sensitive people

The importance of creativity in the workplace sometimes goes unnoticed, but an HSP’s ability to develop new ideas and create out-of-the-box plans can create huge successes in their work.

Have you ever met a highly successful CEO that doesn’t think abstractly?

When you meet your favorite artist, do you notice that they’re a bit in their imagination?

Hint: They’re probably HSPs!

An HSP’s ability to create and imagine things out of thin air is incredible. Their ability to dream big, and create, is wondrous. Highly successful people typically become highly successful because they’re finding new ways of doing things or creating something that no one has ever thought of before. It’s this rare gift that is often overlooked because the details might be missing.

Many highly successful people have a vision that solves a problem. It can be something they simply don’t like to do or don’t want to do, and they find a way to make it easier so that they never have to do it again. HSPs invent, create, and imagine to find solutions to life’s challenges.

#3 Highly sensitive people are very conscientious and thoughtful.

When you think of traits of highly successful people, you may not immediately think of thoughtfulness. However, being conscientious and thoughtful does have its perks in the workplace. It can help you easily navigate a tough conversation, by first thinking through how the news may affect the other person, and finding opportunities or solutions to their difficulty.

When someone is thoughtful, they are thinking of how their choices and decision affect others. This can mean thinking of the team before deciding on the location of the holiday party. This can mean remembering people’s birthdays and always handing out Christmas cards. The little thoughtful things that create a great workplace culture? Usually thought of by HSPs.

#4 Being a deep thinker is a common trait for both HSPs and highly successful people.

HSPs thrive when they can take their time and allow their mind to think deeply. This process, while sometimes time-consuming, can make a huge difference in the success of a business or business decision. Taking the time to think through all avenues of a business decision, reduces the ability to be caught off guard by something you weren’t prepared for.

An HSP can think through what the plan for the business is, and any obstacles that might come their way, and then create the best path forward. This can reduce the burden of a flawed or complicated business ordeal and is one of the most important traits of a highly successful person. They don’t typically jump into business deals, they take their time to ensure it has a strong ROI.

As surprising as it might seem, there is a significant overlap between the traits of highly successful people and highly sensitive people. So if you are highly sensitive, you have the natural gifts necessary for success. And you can choose how to use your gifts to enhance your success.

How To Maintain A Healthy Relationship When You’re An HSP

Having Healthy Relationships

Maintaining a healthy relationship for anyone takes work. But it takes extra work when you’re a highly sensitive person. As with any relationship, for it to be healthy and successful means communicating effectively and navigating your boundaries and this is even more critical when you are highly sensitive.

Having an open, honest, and deep relationship with your partner will help you thrive together.

Maintaining a healthy relationship takes effective communication.

If you’re an HSP, your needs can vary from others. Communicating your need for time to gather your thoughts, process emotions, or think through a conversation before you connect with your partner, is important. The worst thing your partner can do is try to push you to talk or connect, but they will if you don’t explain to them your own needs. Maintaining a healthy relationship is about taking the time you need.

Giving your partner a timeline will help you both navigate difficult conversations gracefully and successfully. Even though the wise tale says never go to bed angry, sometimes as an HSP you will need to go to bed processing, and there’s a difference. Maintaining your sensitivity is important to the health of the relationship. Allowing yourself the time for you to process, will help your relationship flourish. Your sensitivity will be supported and honored.

Setting the right boundaries in your relationship will help you both flourish.

Do you need 30 minutes to yourself after work each day? If this helps you emotionally manage your day and process everything that has occurred at work, then do it! Does your partner need to work through their negative emotions before they walk in the door so you don’t absorb them? Tell them! It’s important you are honest and open if you want the relationship to be successful.

Allowing yourself the boundaries and freedom to be you, will help you maintain a healthy relationship and ensure you feel like the relationship is the right fit for you. Setting your boundaries allows your partner to support and understand you which is key to maintaining the health of your relationship.

HSPs need trust, authenticity, purpose, and depth in their relationships to feel satisfied.

Finding ways to support all of these needs takes teamwork. Learning to build the foundation together will help you maintain a healthy relationship long term. It’s important for your partner to be able to ground you and help you walk through your sensitivities.

Taking a quiet walk together in the morning or evening, reading in bed together, or simply relaxing by the fireplace quietly are all ways to help you thrive.

How to maintain a healthy relationship depends entirely on you.

Not every HSP is the same, which means you need to identify how your needs may differ, and open the conversation with your partner. You can make a list of ways your partner can support your sensitivity to maintain a healthy relationship. Are your preferred lighting choices for your bedtime routine different than theirs? Do you need to limit your time at family functions?

Having a monthly or bi-monthly conversation about these requests is important. You’ll want to check in regularly to ensure you aren’t bottling up any frustrations.

Your partner may also have some preferences they haven’t yet shared with you, and this will open that door too. These conversations build honesty and authenticity with your partner, which are both vital foundations for relationships with an HSP.

If you aren’t sure of your boundaries or what you need to feel supported and thrive as your full authentic self, talk to an expert. Connecting with someone who is familiar with HSPs will allow you to identify how you can show up with your best foot forward in all relationships – including the one with yourself!

The Truth About What It’s Like Being A Highly Sensitive Person

HSP Self-Care Tips

For some, being a highly sensitive person can feel complicated, challenging, and overwhelming. For those who first realize they are highly sensitive, there are so many unknowns that they can’t even begin to process how they feel. Luckily, that’s not the case for everyone. Others learn how to embrace their uniqueness and thrive.

Being highly sensitive is a neurological difference that you are born with. As an HSP, you have an increased, deeper central nervous system sensitivity that causes you to respond and identify with things differently physically, emotionally, and mentally. Once you understand you are genetically different, it can be an ah-ha moment and the beginning of a new adventure.

Being a highly sensitive person means you feel everything, from the moment you were born.

Because you were wired like this at birth, you know no different. And because others are not wired as you are, they don’t understand your level of sensitivity. It’s something many are just beginning to understand and accept.

So, you may have heard far too often “you’re too sensitive” or “why are you crying over that?” when what you should have heard was “Take your time,” and “I understand this is hard for you and that’s OK.”

High sensitivity has its challenges and advantages. Learning to manage and use it to your benefit takes work.

Learning begins with listening to your body and understanding what your triggers are. To make things a little more challenging, high sensitivity is not the same for everyone.

Your best friend may be an HSP and have different triggers and needs than you do. That’s ok. It doesn’t devalue you, or them, as an HSP. Your neurological sensitivities are just different.

Highly Sensitive People are thought to make up about 20% of the population.

While that means you are not alone, it also doesn’t mean there’s a replica of your specifics in the world. You are the only you.

So what can being highly sensitive look like?

What does it truly mean to be a highly sensitive person living in a world that caters to those less sensitive?

The answer to these two questions is the same. You must take every precaution to support your health and well-being.

Are you more sensitive to light? Do you steer clear of scary movies? Find yourself overwhelmed by other sensory stimuli? Do you often get lost in your thoughts and think too deeply for your peers?

Many of these are common for a highly sensitive person. They find it harder to connect with people because they have specific preferences others may not understand. Attending a plethora of social activities isn’t usually at the top of the list for a highly sensitive person, which can result in people no longer sending invites. Why invite them if they never go?

The invite matters.

Being a highly sensitive person, means you notice the little things: the thought, the whispers, the missing invites. You notice them and you think deeply about why you weren’t invited. What could you have done differently to obtain an invite? Does that person not like you? Did you hurt their feelings? All of these thoughts gather in your mind, and you find yourself diving deeper and deeper into thought.

This is what’s different for those who are highly sensitive. The small things matter. Every day there are questions and feelings that you dive into deeply, trying to find a solution. You feel deeply. Connecting with people, animals, and the world around you in such a profound way that even you cannot describe it to others. Being highly sensitive means being in your own realm.

For those who are highly sensitive, life can feel lonely.

Your circle of friends can be very limited. You may prefer to have a few friends that you care very deeply about and spend time connecting deeply with. You may prefer to stay away from conflict, as it can cause you extremely heightened levels of stress, so you keep your inner circle very close. When it comes to being a highly sensitive person, the saying “quality over quantity” is your lifeline.

Although many consider the life of a highly sensitive person as very different, if you’re an HSP you come to realize it can be incredibly rewarding in a way most others would never understand. Having deep connections with people, places, and things, can be incredibly fulfilling.

The truth about being a highly sensitive person is that it’s not easy, but it can be the most joyous adventure you’ll embark upon once you know your limits.

5 Tips to Being Happy in the Workplace for HSPs

Achieving Career Success

As a highly sensitive person, finding a workplace that makes you truly happy is important. Highly sensitive people, or HSPs, are more likely to feel burnout or lack of passion for their job faster than others. Following these five simple rules will help ensure you find happiness and keep you moving forward at work.

#1 Create a workspace that keeps you happy in the workplace

Whether starting a new job or trying to reinvigorate an old one, setting your space up to bring you happiness in the workplace is essential. It starts with lighting and ends with your desk space. Is the lighting too harsh? Do you have enough natural lighting? Is your desk space cluttered? Keeping your space clean with appropriate lighting makes all the difference.

Also, add some personal items that bring happiness and peace to your desk or office area. Whether you add photos of your pet, your family, or something simple like your favorite type of pens, these will bring you comfort throughout your work day. Simplifying your space and only including a few small things will keep your mind at ease.

#2 Communicate your workplace needs

Being able to communicate your needs at work is essential for being happy there. Building a relationship with your supervisor that helps them understand your needs and who you are as a person will drive open communication, setting you up for success. Being open, honest and upfront can help keep you happy at your workplace.

Let your supervisor know how you work best, so they can understand how to best support you. You can also discuss what kind of lighting is preferred to help you stay focused and eliminate distractions. Even talking about the potential placement of your desk or office, if negotiable, can help you feel set up for success and supported at work. So communicate!

#3 Take breaks!

Not only is taking your breaks better for the company from a legal perspective, but it also gives your deep-thinking mind the breaks it needs. HSPs are commonly very attentive to detail and think thoroughly through everything, which makes them a great asset to any company. However, without proper breaks, your mind and energy can be quickly drained.

So set yourself up for success by taking mental and emotional breaks when needed. Even if it’s just 5 minutes, giving yourself time to rest will keep you happy at your workplace long term. You can take a walk, close your eyes, read a book, whatever gives your mind time to relax. These breaks can prevent you from feeling drained or overwhelmed at the end of the day.

#4 Create a morning routine that brings you happiness before work

Starting your morning right makes a world of difference. Create a morning routine that you can rely on to make sure your mind is at ease at the start of your work day. Whether you start your morning with yoga, meditation, or something else that makes you feel zen, your mind will be calm so you can feel good at the start of your day.

Having this daily routine will give you something to look forward to and rely on. HSPs thrive on routines, so having a morning routine will help your day go well and keep you at ease. You’ll be able to begin your morning with consistency and feel comfortable from the start of your day.

#5 Plan your day effectively

Make a plan for your day, know what you need to get done, and stick to it as much as possible. Giving yourself a plan for the day will help you know what to expect and lessen the likelihood of sudden surprises. Surprises can cause stress and anxiety for anyone, but especially for HSPs so reducing these as much as possible can keep you truly happy at work.

Creating a plan and outlining your responsibilities keeps you organized and focused on the day. You’ll be able to check things off your list as you go, which helps you see what you’ve accomplished and in turn, feel good about what you’re doing.

Some people like to plan their next day at work before they leave their workplace each evening. Others like to do it when they first get into the office. Regardless of when you choose to do it, planning your day can create an environment that keeps you happy in the workplace.

So, set yourself up for being happy in the workplace

As a highly sensitive person, removing stress and anxiety when possible will help you flourish anywhere and especially at work. By understanding your limits, your stressors, and how to reduce them, you’ll keep yourself happy in the workplace. It can make the difference between the fulfillment of staying somewhere long-term or the stress of bouncing from job to job.

The Importance of Self-Care If You’re Highly Sensitive

HSP Self-Care Tips

Everyone talks about the importance of self-care. But for highly sensitive people, self-care makes an even more drastic difference. Self-care is important for your overall mind, body, and emotional health, but it is also vital to your ability to feel your best at your core. Giving yourself proper self-care is not only vital to life as an HSP, but it also looks different.

The number one way to thrive as an HSP is to develop the proper self-care routine, custom to you. Understanding what works best for you and scheduling it into your day is key.

Do you do best with a 30-minute walk to start your day? How do you feel when you spend time journaling? How can you support your mind by taking a real break and resting? Finding what works well for you is important.

Understanding the importance of replenishing your energy through self-care is key to your overall wellbeing

As an HSP, your energy levels get depleted quickly, requiring frequent “refills”. Your brain is always working on overdrive behind the scenes, so many of the common self-care techniques may not actually work for you. This is why it’s important to identify how and when you feel most replenished.

Having the proper daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly self-care routines will help you survive relationships, career challenges, family dynamics, and all of the ups and downs of life. It will make the difference between you thriving versus just surviving. It will enable you to feel more productive, more energetic, and more in tune with yourself.

Self-Care is important because it helps you be you.

Allowing yourself what you need, enables you to communicate more effectively, support yourself and those around you, and truly be your best self. The importance of self-care is often overlooked by most people.

However, for a highly sensitive person, it will ensure you are able to process every experience with the mental and emotional clarity you need. Processing things can be more complicated as an HSP, so every little bit helps!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a moment to digest, and allow your mind a break. Remember, your brain consistently runs on overdrive, so giving it the right amount of time off will allow it to work better. You will be able to show up for yourself and those around you better and stronger, leaning into your superpowers, when you are fully relaxed and refreshed.

Turning your HSP into a superpower can be work, but it’s worth it.

Being able to process things and feel good in your everyday life makes a world of difference for highly sensitive people. Sensitivity, and all it encompasses, can be such an incredible gift if you know how to effectively take care of yourself and empower your inner strengths.

It doesn’t always come easy, sometimes you have to work at it, but self-care is always worth it. Being able to be your best self, sensitivity and all, is powerful.

So please, don’t underestimate the importance of self-care.

Not only can it help you achieve incredible success as a highly sensitive person, but it can also prepare you to conquer the world around you.

6 Healthy Relationship Tips for HSPs

Having Healthy Relationships

Whether you are starting a new relationship or managing a marriage, having effective tactics and strategies to build the foundation of a healthy relationship is important. As a highly sensitive person, communicating your needs and preferences can be tough, but especially important. This is why I’ve outlined six healthy relationship tips for HSPs. So you can set both yourself and your partner up for success in the long haul.

#1 Be clear about your needs

Being able to clearly communicate your needs on an emotional, physical and mental level creates boundaries for your partner. It enables them to understand you better and can even create a deeper connection. They can support you and your needs, without overstepping or creating anxiety for you. You just have to be very specific and clear about what best supports you.

#2 Schedule “me” time, as often as you need it

Scheduling time for you as often as you need it is one of the best relationship tips for keeping you healthy. It helps you recoup and gives your deep-thinking mind time to process and relax. Whether it’s just a few hours at the end of the day to go on a walk alone, sending your partner out for the evening, or simply a 30-minute break for you to read a book or think, it’s a must.

If you know a social outing is coming up, make a plan with your partner. Knowing what to expect, like how long you’ll be there, helps to keep your mind at ease. Let your partner know if something is too much, or if you need to leave early. Be sure to explain what you are wanting, expecting, and feeling before you leave for the night and as the event progresses.

If you have a partner who thrives on social activity, it’s important for a healthy relationship that you find a balance. Support them by giving them an opportunity to go out with their friends, while you have some alone time. Pick social gatherings you are ok attending, and communicate which you’d prefer to skip. Not only will you both feel valued and accepted, but this tip will help you develop a healthy relationship.

#4 Talk about your communication style for a healthy relationship

Being an HSP, deep thinking is in your DNA. Sometimes this means you need time to reflect, think, and better understand your emotions prior to having an in-depth conversation with your partner. That’s okay! You just need to ensure your partner knows this. Explain to them that you need more time to process things and that you’ll be ready to check in about your readiness to talk after a certain amount of time.

Giving your partner a look into how you communicate, helps them level set their own expectations. It keeps you two communicating effectively while giving you the space you need as an HSP. Talking about your communication style is a key tip to a healthy relationship.

#5 Set your home up together, emphasizing what’s comfortable for you

Oftentimes people don’t realize the importance of how you set up your home. Walking into your home and having it set up the way you feel comfortable helps you establish a sense of peace and tranquility. A home space that doesn’t overwhelm you is free of clutter and has appropriate lights, sounds, and space. This can be soothing, which can put your mind and emotions at ease.

If you’re moving in with a partner or having a partner move in with you, have an open conversation about spacing, colors, and all the details about how you can make the setup work for you both. Helping your partner know what is important to you at home, helps them better understand you as a person, and it sets them up for success in supporting your needs.

#6 Lastly, the most important tip for a healthy relationship: Choose a partner who values your superpower

If nothing else, this may be the most important tip to having a healthy relationship. Highly sensitive people often hear “you’re too sensitive” so finding a partner who is able to love and support your superpower without comments and criticism will help you thrive. A partner who can listen to you, help support your needs, and allow you to be you, creates a healthy relationship.

There are so many tips for having a healthy relationship, whether you’re an HSP or not. But when you are an HSP it’s really important for you to have the right space, the right partner, and the right boundaries so you can flourish.

Not sure if you’re a highly sensitive person? Learn more about high sensitivity and what it means to be a highly sensitive person.

Ruth Lynch