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by
Jenna Avery, CLC, Life Coach for Sensitive Souls This
sad fact is a real loss, though the average company or boss doesn’t
recognize it. As sensitives, we bring so much to the working world –
creativity, caring, warmth, intuition, originality, conscientiousness,
attention to detail, thoughtfulness, thoroughness, spirituality,
perceptiveness, and supportiveness, to name just a few. These qualities make us highly valuable
employees. I
believe this is because working 40-, 50-, or even 60-plus-hour
workweeks is a disaster for our sensitive nervous systems. Fluorescent
light bulbs suck our energy dry. Cubicles without fresh air and natural
daylight sap our strength. Office politics and corporate bureaucracies
drain our passion, idealism, and creativity. Our
bosses’ expectations, combined with unspoken peer pressure inherent in
working culture, tell us that work, deadlines, and clients come first
before life, family, and well being. These pressures, along with our
frequent inclination to put other people’s needs first, override our
own natural reason when it comes to self-care and self-preservation. Barbara
Sher, author of I
Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was, recommends that you
“start small and start NOW.” I think this is terrific advice. Barbara
also points out that you must take responsibility for sharing your
magnificent gifts with the world. Does
the saying, “Don’t let your gifts die with you,” ring a bell? I believe
that each one of you is unique, special, and talented. There is no one
else who can design clothes like you, no one else who can write just
like you, no one else who has your exact take on how to create fabulous
retreats for women, etc. So if you don’t do it, then who will? Even
better, get that first client and then give it everything you’ve got.
Schedule that first class, set the date for your first retreat, set
aside one hour each week to write. Just knowing that you are on your
path is hugely motivating, and brings huge bursts of energy and
inspiration. Remember
the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: "Whatever you can do, or dream
you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it." Sonia
recommends finding an easier day job to get you started on a
transition. When you’re overwhelmed at an intense job, it can be an
insurmountable task to make time for something new. By
taking on an easier daytime workload, you’ll free up energy to take on
your true calling. This might look like working a part-time job, taking
a less intense full-time job, or even restructuring your current job.
You might consider asking for a reduced schedule or cutting back on
your hours. Or
simply begin leaving work on time and start saying “no” to extra
projects. My energy, passion, and vigor increased exponentially by
switching to a four-day workweek one summer and being willing to say no
to my boss. And
since working less might mean earning less income, you might be
surprised to find that you can live on less. Take a look at unique and
creative ways to save money. There are resources with tips about how to
live simply, cut back, and save. Evaluate your budget and see what you
can eliminate. Maybe
letting go of cable TV, magazines, car payments, etc., would free up
extra money, and the extra time you’re seeking. And who knows, your
true life’s work may well bring you more income. One
client and I recently noted that signs of despair and energy drain are
like giant “DO NOT ENTER” signs. This is a great observation! Your
sensitivity lets you know what doesn’t work for you, loud and clear. It’s
up to you to pay attention. You can use this as a guide to let yourself
know what’s too much, what’s too little, and what’s just right. Allow
your imagination to play out the scenarios you’re considering and let
your gut-level reactions tell you what works. And
stay with it, using your creativity, until you hit on something that
gives you energy just to contemplate it. Then you’ll know you’re on the
right track. I
believe that the Universe lets us know when it’s time to say goodbye to
our old job, even when we think we aren’t ready. Sometimes we get laid
off, sometimes we get fired, sometimes we get injured, sometimes we get
sick, or sometimes we suddenly get a crummy new boss. Burnout,
challenging co-workers, and despondency are similar indicators. If
we’re lucky, and we keep our eyes open and our heads up, we might even
catch on before these come to pass. And if these things do happen,
consider the possibility that the Universe is conspiring on your behalf
to let you know that it’s time for a change. ~~~ Copyright
2004-2005, Jennifer Avery, All rights reserved. Jenna is a Certified Life Coach based in Berkeley, California. She can be reached at 510.528.1696. You’re invited to take her free online assessment: "Is Your Sensitivity Working For You?" on her website at http://www.highlysensitivesouls.com/ ~ ~ ~ related pages on this site [Talent Development Resources] : intensity
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sensitivity GT
Adults giftedness ~ ~ ~ |
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