Let’s face it, entrepreneurship is a wild ride and the feeling of overwhelm is to be expected with so many responsibilities, pressures to succeed and the constant juggling acts of work and life. It can leave even the most resilient feeling like they’re drowning. But what if there’s a hidden factor behind this overwhelm? What if being a highly sensitive (HSP) empathic person is at the root of it all?
Understanding Overwhelm
Imagine overwhelm as similar to being trapped in a powerful wave, twisting and tugging you in all directions, leaving you disoriented and unsure of which way is up. An untethered sensation, where priorities, tasks, everything blends into one chaotic whirlwind, often triggering reactions of frustration, anger, and emotional shutdowns.
The HSP Trait
About 1 in 5 people are born with the unique HSP trait. It means you’re wired to experience the world in a deeper, much more intense way than others. Being an HSP is a normal, healthy trait. You possess incredible gifts, like heightened empathy and intuition, however, being empathic often leads to taking on too much responsibility, prioritizing others over yourself, and struggling with self-worth issues. You may find it challenging to focus on self-care and to return to yourself amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship.
The Connection with Overwhelm
Many HSPs are drawn to entrepreneurship because of their empathy and their strong desire to make a positive impact, even though feeling overwhelmed is “part of the package” when you’re highly sensitive. We tend to take on too much, juggling a multitude of responsibilities without setting healthy boundaries in our business and personal lives. The pursuit of perfection and the fear of not being “good enough” plagues many HSP entrepreneurs.
Managing Overwhelm as an Highly Sensitive Empathic Entrepreneur
Awareness and recognizing your HSP traits is the first step towards learning to manage overwhelm. Consider taking this HSP self-assessment test by Dr. Elaine Aron, researcher of the innate temperament trait of high sensitivity, to gain insights into your unique characteristics so you can understand how your energy operates in the world and how it affects your daily life and business decisions.
Self-Discovery and Boundaries
Managing overwhelm as an HSP entrepreneur is possible with the right strategies and tools. It’s essential to prioritize yourself with self-care, learn to set boundaries, and seek support from other HSPs who understand your journey. Focus on returning to yourself, knowing and celebrating your unique gifts and learning how to find your center amidst the chaos.
Embrace Your Gifts
Overwhelm in entrepreneurship is a common challenge, but for HSPs, there’s a unique interplay of sensitivity, empathy, and self-worth that adds an extra layer of complexity. By recognizing and understanding your HSP traits, setting boundaries, mindfulness and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate the entrepreneurial world more successfully. Embrace your gifts and remember that you are enough, just as you are!
For more HSP resources email me at: Lianne at LianneWessner dot com.
