Ten years ago, when I first heard the term HSP—my ears perked up big time. Beyond being “sensitive” (and feeling like I was “too sensitive”) I didn’t know I had a particular personality and genetic trait. But as I studied it, many questions were answered. I was not as odd as I thought. (Well, okay, maybe odd, but not a bad odd.) In fact, 20% of people have this trait.
What is it? Highly Sensitive People have “sensory processing sensitivity”– which simply means we are deeply impacted by our environment. Our nervous systems function a bit differently than non HSPs. We are more likely to be overwhelmed in a high stimulation environment (fleeing a crowed mall or unhappy at a chaotic party).
But the flip side is that we take in positive sensory input deeper than others do. We sense beauty deeply and can be brought to tears by great music. We thrive in beautiful environments, while non HSPs are not as affected by their surroundings. Don’t get me wrong– non HSPs don’t want to live in an ugly place either. But they won’t be as deeply impacted. This is one reason why I want the software I use to look at money to be visually appealing. I also want a beautiful wallet. Yes, I want beauty in my money. (I even did a podcast on this topic: Beautify Your Money | Mikelann Valterra, MA, AFC®)
A key feature of high sensitivity is deep processing.
HSPs are deep processors—of stimuli, thoughts, emotions, you name it. Even when we don’t want to process what is around us, we can’t stop. Our brains are simply wired differently. So, while 80% of the population can see a scary movie and not obsess about it a week later, HSPs can’t stop thinking about it. (Hot tip: if you are highly sensitive, don’t watch scary movies! It affects you far more deeply than your friends.)
This deep processing can cut both ways regarding our relationship with money.
On the one hand, it can make us anxious and lead to free floating anxiety. We can’t stop ruminating and stressing about money. There is often a vague sense of unease that always feels attached to money matters. HSPs are also deeply distressed by money fog and its many implications (Are You in a Money Fog? Take This Quiz and Find Out | Mikelann Valterra, MA, AFC® ). All of this can lead to slow decision making, inaction, or bouts of post spending guilt.
With no way to fully process all the money questions in our lives, anxiety rises. “Should I have bought that? Will there be enough? Why can’t I just transfer that money? Am I making the right decision?” Thoughts play like a repeating tape, over and over and over again in our head. (Curious about the difference between financial stress and financial anxiety? My thoughts: Do You Have Financial Stress or Financial Anxiety? Here’s How to Tell | Mikelann Valterra, MA, AFC® .)
We can’t stop this deep processing, but it can be channeled.
And in fact, when it comes to money, this propensity to take everything in, whether you want to or not, can be helpful. Deep processing can lead to well-thought-out spending decisions and a drive to live (and spend) according to your values.
But only if you have a method for handling your money and you recognize your beliefs and attitudes about money.
A personalized spending plan is that method.
It allows you to easily look at your money weekly, monthly, and/or annually. When HSPs have a process for handling their money, they flourish. Big time! When they have a method for making money decisions and a way to clearly see the impact of their various choices, they feel better. They also thrive when equipped with a set of well-honed questions to help process spending decisions (can I afford to go to Hawaii? Am I ready to buy a house?) Their deep processing ability becomes an asset.
HSPs can productively harness their deep processing ability to effectively work with their personal finances by employing a process to track their money, plan their spending, and discover how much they need to earn. This calms their system. And as I shared, an HSP with a solid money process makes really well thought-out choices. (Here is my related article on the magic of planning your spending: The Secret Magic of Planning Your Spending to Create Your Dream Life | Mikelann Valterra, MA, AFC®) Having a roadmap for personal finances is calming for just about everyone. But for the highly sensitive person, it is even more crucial– yielding less anxiety, more confidence and clarity, and better sleep.
HSP’s process all…the…time… So, to have a method that channels this processing to achieve greater financial outcomes is a game changer.
Time to book a free discovery call to chat about money coaching?
(If you are curious about whether you are an HSP or not, please visit Dr. Elaine Aron’s site and take her quiz. She is one of the foremost researchers on this in the United States: https://hsperson.com/)
