The Rumination Game

HSP freelancers excel in certain areas but we suck at others.

It’s exhilerating to think about all of the ways we excel as freelancers, right? This is especially true for Highly Sensitive People as we tend to be hard on ourselves. Indeed, HSPs are known to ruminate and overthink.

Are we too focused on our flaws? by Windows

My take is that self-employed HSPs are set up well to excel at a variety of important facets:

• Our sensitivity helps us with client relations and in connecting with people.

• Known as hard-workers, HSPs are stellar at staying on top of deadlines and projects.

• Highly intuitive, Highly Sensitive People can suss out who’s authentic and who gives “red flags.”

However, it’s not all good. HSPs aren’t necessarily great at dealing with stress or maintaing a calm demeanor in difficult circumstances. We also tend to ruminate.

What does it mean when a person is ruminating?

Rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences. The repetitive, negative aspect of rumination can contribute to the development of depression or anxiety and can worsen existing conditions.

This article, written by a therapist, does an excellent job at explaining both the “downward spiral” that happens during the overthinking cycle as well as provide several methods to help combat the fear/anxiety/worry that accompanies this process.

Gaming the System

As a self-employed person, the opportunities for overthinking are simply endless…

• Wondering nervously about your client’s reaction to work you’ve just submitted.

• Exhausted and worried about missing a pending deadline.

• Thinking the worst when someone hasn’t returned a call.

When rumination is on the verge of striking, try not to jump to conclusions. Your client may be exceptionally busy and hasn’t yet seen your email. Or, she does indeed have a few edits but she hasn’t had time to go through your document.

While missing deadlines is a big no-no, if you decide that you cannot meet an agreed-upon deadline, contact your client as soon as possible to let them know. People appreciate frank, honest, and timely communication.

If we focus on our strengths, maintain open and honest communication and work hard to avoid ruminating, we’re one step closer to peace and success.

Question: Do you have any tips for dealing with overthinking and rumination? Do you find that the more time you spend as a freelancer, the better you can deal with the ups and downs (and there WILL be ups and downs)? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. And, as always, please “like” and share this post.

Niche freelancing opportunities:

Copywriter/Writer/Editor

Professional Freelance Writer ($20 USD per hour)

Freelance Writer - Bezzy ($120 USD per article)

WriterGirl database (for professional healthcare content writers)

Please note that I do my best to vet these freelance opportunities before sharing. However, you are responsible for conducting your own due diligence.

Yours in HSP copywriter success,

Lisa