The word, highly sensitive person (HSP) is used to refer to people who are believed to possess a strong or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. Unfortunately, in most social circumstances, a sensitive child or an adult is often advised not to be over-sensitive by others and is often identified as a weak individual, with whom others must be extra careful while interacting.
But in reality, is a stronger sensitivity a weakness or is it strength in disguise?
India’s leading psychologist and marriage counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo decodes the hidden strength of highly sensitive people.
Shivani says when it comes to inner strength, and resilience – the power to cope with difficult situations, deal with stress, and overcome hurdles, the highly sensitive individuals seem to possess some sort of secret ability to weather all kinds of storms that life could offer.
You may not know, being highly sensitive could be a boon too. One being a highly sensitive person (HSP) could not merely make them survive adversity but those individuals thrive, learn from their experiences and become stronger by honing their skills.
However, the society where you all live usually, projects that being a highly sensitive person be it your home or professional environment is a sign of weakness and makes one realize they cannot survive in this world if they remain highly sensitive, particularly in their professional life.
Shivani further says your sensitivity could actually be a blessing and is also your untapped strength. The following part just mentions how being a highly sensitive person makes you distinct from others specifically at your work front.
You are diplomatic when it matters the most
Being a highly sensitive person, you think longer and more clearly prior to speaking. This tendency to pause prior to acting is a top hallmark of sensory-processing sensitivity, according to psychologists.
It means you are thoughtful with your words and actions. And in the workplace, it translates into being able to balance different individuals’ perspectives and tactfully communicate, even when the pressure is high.
Your self-awareness is unparallel
Being an HSP you have a colorful inner life and are possibly well acquainted with your emotional horizon. One factor for this is due to high sensitivity is associated with the gene that enhances the vividness of the inner experiences.
Even though this level of self-awareness could be second-nature to you, it is an indisputable asset in terms of your career. For instance, individuals having more accurate self-perceptions seem to perform better on the professional front and are better able to design their leadership style to the circumstances at hand.
You are an excellent critical thinker
Few studies have indicated that sensitive people have extra active brain circuitry and neurochemicals in arenas linked to mental processing. So the HSP brain not just takes in more information but also programs that information in a more complex manner.
Profession-wise, you are probably heralded for the manner you explore several dimensions and paths, whether it is a proposal for a new venture or looking to solve a team challenge.
Your impress through your consciousness
You are someone who displays presentations using accurate information and data. Or perhaps you are someone who takes added time to prepare to impress a vital client or your boss. Whatever the scenario could be, your discipline, dedication, commitment, and work ethic wow others and reflects professionalism.
You make a harmonious work atmosphere
Your experience as an outsider has perhaps made you passionate about inclusion.
Because of your ultra awareness and empathy, you value distinct working styles. Consequently, you present people with the space to be independent and form working conditions where they could thrive.
You are a pedestal of integrity
It has been that HSPs hugely value fairness. In fact, studies suggest that HSPs seem to score higher on ratings of justice and ethics.
This means in your career, you uphold your promises and stick to your word. You can always be relied on to follow through (even if at times it comes at the expense of your own well-being).
And more than ever, your voice could make a significant difference in the workplace, particularly when it includes speaking up in the face of inequity or injustice against others.
All these points prove that being a highly sensitive person is not a problem or a sign of weakness. If you have confronted the same thing numerous times. It’s time for you to realize your true potential and look to find the positive things that you are yet to explore.
Shivani Misri Sadhoo is an internationally recommended relationship Counsellor by world’s biggest and most trusted study and research-based foundation for couples therapy – Gottman Institute. She is trained on specialised key relationship counselling Skills from AIIMS, VIMHANS and various other reputed institutions. Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo, is also Certified for Emotionally Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Counsellor Shivani Misri Sadhoo is also a Certified Neuro Linguistic Practitioner with specialised training and experience in the field of affairs/betrayals, trust issues, difficulty communicating, conflicting values, bereavement, grief and loss (affairs, separation, divorce, childhood) and emotional health issue (anxiety, social anxiety, fear, depression, low mood).
Currently, Shivani Misri Sadhoo is one of the top counsellors with the HIGHEST Success Rate with over 17,000 happy couples and individuals (based in India and abroad), who has benefited from her therapy. Psychologist and Counselor Shivani Misri Sadhoo not only practice independently from her clinic in Greater Kailash, Delhi, India but also listed on the panel of eminent hospitals like IBS Hospital – Institute of Brain & Spine, Express Clinic, Fortis (formerly) based in Delhi.
