Can a Highly Sensitive Person Work at What They Love?

Mon 8 Nov 2010 2:14:34 AM GMT

I have asked myself this question for many years. I didn't think that this was possible. My desire was to be a writer. I wanted to inspire other people to question their lives and to take the necessary actions to improve them.

I had recurring dreams about writing and self-publishing a book. I was working on a personal growth book for over twenty years, but could not complete it. This project was constantly being delayed because "my life got in the way." Having to make a living to support my family and many other aspects of my life put this project on hold.

On April 12, 2005, I made a life changing discovery that I was a highly sensitive person. I went to an adult education class about this subject. I found out that 15-20% of the population is comprised of highly sensitive people and a significant percentage are not aware of this inherited character trait and the effect that it has on their lives.

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is nothing to be ashamed of, but it can create problems if you don't know how to effectively deal with living as a HSP. If you have strong reactions to people and your environment and are more easily overwhelmed in certain life situations, you too could be a HSP.

The information that I got from this class had given me the inspiration and direction to write about my life as a highly sensitive person. I knew I wanted to educate others on the topic. I had finally discovered my purpose in life! My purpose is to help highly sensitive people understand their inherited characteristic trait and to realize that being a HSP is a strength, rather than a detriment to personal and professional success.

I knew that I was headed in the right direction and began to have more confidence in myself and my writing. My next step was to keep up my momentum on my project. I found out about the "Work at What You Love"seminar in Northampton, Mass. I knew that I had to attend.

It turned out to be one of the best investments, in terms of time and money, that I have ever made. The seminar had excellent information and I met many like minded people who were also transitioning to new careers. I gave and received support from others who had the same fears and issues that I had.

The "Work at What You Love" Seminar provided the option to be in an eight-week "success teleclass" or idea party for two hours per week, in groups of six to eight people. The purpose was to provide support over an extended period. The cost was merely the cost of the phone call. I needed this support and eagerly signed up for the teleclass.

My success team was made up of like- minded people who had one common objective: to make positive changes in their lives. Our goals were different, but our fears and roadblocks were the same. We brainstormed, gave each other positive support and ideas, and held each other accountable by having weekly "homework" assignments to work on our goals. Ironically, most of my success team members and the people I met at the seminar were highly sensitive people!

It felt refreshing and energizing to give and get support. I couldn't have progressed as far as I have with my project without the help of my success team members. You need constant support to keep you on track with your dreams. There are too many distractions in life that will cause you to lose focus.

The "Work at What You Love" seminar and success teams give you the opportunity to meet people who can help you with your objectives. I met my current editor there and several other people who have been very instrumental in helping me with my project. The latest installment of the “Work at What You Love” seminar is August 24 & 25th, 2007. Get the details at www.changingcourse.com.

The answer to the question: Can a highly sensitive person work at what they love? YES YOU CAN!!

I have completed my first book...Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity...Discover,Develop and Maximize Your Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Traits. There are still many things to do in starting my publishing company and promoting my book. There will be many challenges, but I'm going to move confidently forward to work at what I love.

Cliff Harwin is the author of Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity…Discover, Develop and Maximize Your Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Traits.

Do You Really Understand Your Highly Sensitive Nature

Mon 8 Nov 2010 1:54:15 AM GMT

How very little we know about ourselves…but how much we could know if we took the time to do so. So much of our personal happiness depends on getting along well with ourselves. We know ourselves better than others do, and yet we don’t often take the time to discover our strengths and weaknesses.

Did you ever think that something about you was different? Were you puzzled about what that difference was? Were you frustrated that something seemed to be holding you back? I had those thoughts and feelings, but I gained a great understanding of myself when I went to a class about “highly sensitive people.” I always knew that I was very sensitive, but I didn’t realize that my highly sensitive nature had a specific cause.

According to author and clinical psychologist, Dr. Elaine Aron, being a highly sensitive person is an inherited trait that is characterized by an overactive nervous system. Her extensive research indicates that 15-20% of the population is comprised of highly sensitive people. A significant percentage of that 15-20% is not aware of their inherited character trait and the affect that it has on their lives.

The nervous system as defined by Discovery Communications, Inc., is made up of the brain, spinal cord and nerves to coordinate all of your actions and reactions to internal and external situations. Some characteristics of highly sensitive people include:

* Becoming agitated when surrounded by a lot of people and/ or activity.

* An unusually high sensitivity to noise, light, caffeine, pain, medications, temperature.

* The need to be alone for extended periods of time every day.

* Being unusually overwhelmed when they have many things to do in a short time.

* Getting easily flustered when being watched by others.

* Being unusually affected by the moods and problems of others.

These symptoms can also be caused by other emotional and physical problems.

The class on highly sensitive people was a real eye opener for me—I felt as though I was seeing myself for the first time. I realized that this new knowledge could help me improve my life. That day marked the beginning of my journey towards self-knowledge and understanding. These are the keys to a healthy, happy and productive life. As I learned more about my inherited character trait, I developed a personal “road map” to utilize my strengths and devised a strategy to work with my weaknesses.

Do you take the time to learn about yourself? Do you feel like you’re in a rut instead of reallyliving? From this moment forward, make it a priority to get to know the real you. Why not utilize your best self? Wouldn’t life be easier and happier? The most famous statement of Socrates was confined to two words: “Know Thyself!” Get self-acquainted and you will open yourself up to the many possibilities of life. You will then go forward to a extraordinary life experience.

Cliff Harwin is the author of Making Sense of Your High Sensitivity…Discover, Develop and Maximize Your Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) Traits.