Discover empowering strategies and self-care tips for highly sensitive entrepreneurs to build resilience and thrive in freelancing.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Being a highly sensitive entrepreneur often feels like you’re walking on an emotional tightrope: constantly balancing the need to deliver exceptional results with the challenge of maintaining your emotional and mental health. If you’re anything like me, you know exactly how quickly a good day can spiral into self-doubt after a single critical comment or challenging client interaction. In this article, I’ll share how I build myself up as a highly sensitive entrepreneur when nobody else does. Hopefully, these tips can help you in your own situation!
Here’s What You as an Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur Can Do:
The Reality of Being an Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur
As a highly sensitive person (HSP), your emotions run deeper and your reactions tend to be stronger than those of others. I vividly remember days when one harsh email would completely derail me, leaving me anxious and unable to focus for the rest of the day. It’s exhausting to feel as if you’re always teetering on the edge of self-confidence and self-criticism.
Unlike traditional employment settings, freelancing doesn’t usually offer the built-in emotional support of a team or manager. There’s no one regularly praising your efforts or buffering client criticisms. You are entirely responsible for managing your work happiness and your emotional state, which can feel incredibly isolating.
What I’ve learned through years of freelancing is that high sensitivity isn’t a weakness; it’s actually one of my greatest strengths. Your ability to pick up on subtleties: whether it’s a client’s unspoken concerns, nuanced emotions, or the intricacies of a creative project, is a gift. But for this gift to truly flourish, you must treat your sensitivity with the care it deserves.
Facing Feedback: My Own Experiences
Let me share a moment that hit me particularly hard in the past. After investing many hours into a project, I presented my work to a client, feeling proud and hopeful. The client’s response felt unexpected and was not at all what I had hoped for. Immediately, my heart sank. I felt this overwhelming wave of inadequacy, sadness, and embarrassment wash over me. In that moment, I genuinely questioned my skills, my worth, and my ability to continue freelancing.
But this moment of emotional crisis led me to a crucial realization: no one was coming to pull me out of this slump. As a freelancer, and particularly as an HSP, I had to learn how to pick myself up. This moment became a catalyst for me to deeply explore what I could do to strengthen myself emotionally as a highly sensitive entrepreneur, especially when external validation was nowhere to be found.
Building a Self-Loving Work Environment
After years of working in the same workspace, one that no longer reflected who I was or who I wanted to become, I knew it was time for a change. I took intentional steps to create a nurturing environment, filled with positive reminders that I was enough and that I was doing my best. Here’s what I did:
The Affirming Mirror
I bought a beautiful heart-shaped mirror, placing it right above my desk, and wrote affirmations like, “You are enough. You’re doing your best.” Now, each glance serves as a gentle reminder to speak kindly to myself, especially on the tough days.
You may also want to buy an affirmation book like ‘Affirmations For Freelancers: 39 Affirmations to help build your confidence, dissolve self-doubt, and grow your business‘. This may help you increase your confidence in yourself.
Cheerful Reminders
I also introduced small, cheerful items to brighten my space. My favorite addition is a little plant pot with a smiling face, affectionately reminding me to approach myself with the same kindness and positivity I offer others. Alongside this, a small decor piece reading “Love it” gently nudges me to find joy, inspiration and positivity in my work.
If you’re looking for something similar for your desk, have a look at this cute hanging planter, which totally is going on my wishlist as well!
Inspirational Art
Lastly, I added an inspiring print that reads, “Make your heart the prettiest thing about you.” This reminds me daily that the essence of my work is deeply heartfelt and that my sensitivity is my strength.
For instance, have a look at these inspirational posters for entrepreneurs on Amazon to brighten up your space.
Deeper Self-Care Practices for HSP Entrepreneurs
However, your physical environment is only the first step to build yourself up as a highly sensitive entrepreneur. You also need more positive self-care practices for your mental health and nervous system regulation throughout the day. Here are some ways I’ve improved my workday:
Emotional Check-Ins
Throughout each workday, I now pause periodically to genuinely check in with myself. How am I feeling? Is there tension in my body? If I’m anxious or overwhelmed, I allow myself to step away, even for a few minutes, to breathe, meditate, or simply sit quietly until I feel more grounded. It doesn’t have to take more than five minutes to reset my energy.
Documenting Success
I bought a journal and started journaling my successes and positive feedback regularly. On days when self-doubt creeps in, I can revisit these entries. They remind me of my value and the impact I’ve made, helping to balance the harsh voice of my inner critic when I receive not so positive feedback.
Setting Stronger Boundaries
I’ve learned that as an highly sensitive entrepreneur, clear boundaries are crucial. I’ve defined my work hours, explicitly communicated them to clients, and carved out time for rest and self-care. It was uncomfortable initially, but the payoff has been profound, reducing feelings of burnout significantly.
Letting Go: The Toughest Yet Most Liberating Act
One of the most challenging yet empowering acts for highly sensitive entrepreneurs is letting go of collaborations or client relationships that no longer align with your emotional and professional well-being. It can be incredibly difficult to step away from partnerships that drain your energy or constantly leave you feeling inadequate or overwhelmed. While it’s natural to worry about disappointing others or seeming overly sensitive, choosing to prioritize your mental health and happiness is crucial. Making room for healthier, more supportive relationships and projects can greatly enhance your overall sense of fulfillment and peace in your work.
Self-Compassion is an Ongoing Journey
Building yourself up as a highly sensitive entrepreneur isn’t a destination you reach and then never have to think about again. It’s a continuous process of reflection, adjustment, and gentle self-care. I’ve come to accept that even though I’m skilled at what I do, there will always be feedback that hurts or days where I question myself. My goal is no longer perfection: it’s kindness, patience, and growth.
If you remember just one thing from reading this, let it be this: You are enough, exactly as you are. Your sensitivity is not a flaw: it’s your biggest power. You deserve the same compassion, understanding, and kindness you give to others, and you absolutely have the strength to give it to yourself.
You’re not alone, even if it sometimes feels that way. Reach out, build your emotional toolkit, surround yourself with reminders of your worth, and always remember: you’re doing an incredible job, precisely because of who you are.
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