High achievers who are also Highly Sensitive People often spend years wondering why they feel “too much” in environments where everyone else seems to thrive. I was the same, convinced something was wrong with me, certain my anxiety was a flaw I had to fix.
Then I discovered that being an HSP is an actual, research backed personality trait. Dr. Elaine Aron first described it in the 1990s, calling it Sensory Processing Sensitivity: a genetically influenced tendency to process information more deeply and react more intensely, both emotionally and physically.
Being an HSP can be challenging. Being an HSP who is also a high achiever can feel like living with your foot on the accelerator and the brake at the same time.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered why you feel overwhelmed or anxious in situations others seem to handle easily. HSP traits and anxiety can feel very similar. Some common traits of being an HSP include:
- Analysing situations and details deeply
- Feeling the need to be a perfectionist
- Becoming overstimulated by pressure or competitive environments
- Feeling even mild criticism intensely
- Noticeable changes in mood or behaviour
- Finding chaotic environments anxiety inducing or distracting
It’s easy to see being an HSP as a negative because of the worry and overthinking that can come with it. But the truth is, there are so many strengths that often go unnoticed, strengths that can make you an exceptional high achiever when you learn to use them:
- New ideas, experiences, or people can spark genuine excitement
- A strong sense of responsibility for others’ well being makes you deeply caring
- You’re moved by music, literature, art, and natural beauty
- You have a strong moral compass
- You have powerful intuition. Your gut knows!
When you understand your sensitivity, you stop seeing it as a flaw and start recognising it as the advantage it truly is.