Cliff Harwin – The Highly Sensitive Person Publishing Company

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What do you wish you learned earlier about speaking up?

Post category:Important Life Skill

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What do you wish you learned earlier about speaking up? One of the most important lessons I ever learned came from my late mother when I was a quiet child trying not to upset anyone. She told me: “Speak up or be left behind.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand what she meant. I was easygoing, quiet, sensitive, and conflict-avoidant. I thought being “nice” meant staying silent, going along with things, and keeping the peace no matter what. I didn’t want to disappoint people or create tension. But here’s the uncomfortable truth I eventually learned: If you never speak up for yourself, some people will quietly decide your feelings, needs, and boundaries don’t matter. That was hard for me to admit. For…

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What if your “overthinking” isn’t the problem?

Post category:Decision Making

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What if your “overthinking” isn’t the problem? Let me offer you a perspective that may feel a little unconventional—especially if you’ve spent years believing your mind works against you. What if your tendency to analyze… to reflect… to carefully think things through… is not your weakness? What if it’s your strength—misdirected? As a highly sensitive and self-aware person, I’ve lived much of my life inside my own head. And yes, there were times it felt like a trap. You know the feeling… You want to start something. Make a decision. Take a step forward. But instead—you pause. Then question. Then doubt. Then replay every possible outcome… Until you do… nothing. That’s what we call “analysis paralysis.” But here’s what I’ve learned through my…

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What if the biggest drain in your life…isn’t what you think?

Post category:Self Awareness

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What if the biggest drain in your life… isn’t what you think? As a highly sensitive and conscientious person, I’ve spent much of my life bothered by one quiet, persistent feeling: “This is a waste.” Not just wasted money or missed opportunities—but something deeper. Wasted time.Wasted emotional energy.Wasted attention. And if you’re anything like me, those are not small things.They are your most limited resources. Here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve come to accept: The real problem isn’t that life is wasteful.It’s that we stay loyal to what drains us. That realization changed everything for me. Here’s where I’ve seen “waste” show up in my own life: Worrying endlessly about what I don’t want to happen Getting pulled into arguments that leave me emotionally…

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What If Your “Lack of Focus” Isn’t the Problem?

Post category:Concentration and Focus

#HighlySensitivePeople #Introverts: What If Your “Lack of Focus” Isn’t the Problem? What if your focus isn’t broken… What if it’s overloaded? As a highly sensitive person, you don’t struggle to focus because you’re weak. You struggle because you notice everything. Every thought. Every emotion. Every shift in your environment. Your mind isn’t distracted— it’s wide open. And no one ever taught you how to close the door. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience: 1. Stop forcing focus. Start choosing it. Focus isn’t about discipline—it’s about meaning. If something truly matters to you, your mind will follow. Ask yourself: Why does this deserve my attention right now? If you can’t answer that honestly, your brain will keep wandering. 2. Your energy decides your focus—not…