Highly Sensitive People: Does Perfectionism Get In You Way?

I’m a highly sensitive person and a perfectionist. These characteristics seem to be linked together. Perfectionism can be a strength if it’s not taken to the extreme, though it also has some major drawbacks.

“Absolute perfection is impossible to achieve,” you will insist, and of course you’ll be correct. But what is so wrong about making an extraordinary effort in every task that you undertake? As a productive force, perfectionism provides the drive to do one’s best. (more…)

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Highly Sensitive People: Should You Try To Change Yourself In These Difficult Times?

As a highly sensitive person, should you try to change yourself? I’ve been asked this question countless times and have seen on various online forums that people want to get rid of their high sensitivity. They seem to feel that their high sensitivity puts them at a disadvantage in life.

I’ve never felt that way. I’ll admit that I always felt “different” from others, but I could never pinpoint exactly why. When I first learned the term “highly sensitive person,” it was a profound experience. Everything came into focus, and I finally had answers to questions I had been asking myself my whole life.  (more…)

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Highly Sensitive People: Do You Take Responsibility For Your Life?

It seems that taking responsibility for one’s actions and one’s life is not a given these days. Is it okay to avoid apologizing in order to appear stronger? Why do so many people feel victimized by their circumstances, and become so discouraged that they don’t seek to improve their lives?

I recently heard on the radio that it’s a sign of weakness to apologize to someone when you make a mistake. Forget about asking for forgiveness! Why does trying to correct an honest mistake make a person appear weak? I’m personally appalled by this kind of thinking. (more…)

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Highly Sensitive People: Is Conventional Wisdom… Really Wisdom?

The ability to listen to and trust our hearts & intuition are the keys to deep, personal wisdom. Highly sensitive people are “hard-wired” to do this work. Do you use your natural abilities?

What is conventional wisdom? Here is my interpretation:

People follow tradition, or what they have been taught, instead of listening to their instinct and heart. It’s not wisdom at all, wisdom is learned and earned over time by personal experience.  (more…)

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