Achieving Career Success

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.

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.