Some media outlets and business commentators would have you believe that being in a regular state of hyperfocus and emotional hyperarousal when in the world of work can be detrimental. 

I want to speak from first-hand experience by explaining how both these trains and their associated characteristics can actually make you a more rounded entrepreneur or business leader. 

Using hyperfocus to your advantage

There is a wild misconception that having a mind like ours is a one-way ticket to distraction, to the extent that if we are focusing on a task and the broken window keeps tapping against the frame – that we’ll quickly shift our thoughts away from what we’re doing. 

This simply isn’t true. The more accurate picture that I recall would be one of being in the ‘flow’, so to speak. When I’m giving a presentation to clients for example, I tend to be in a frame of mind where I’m so concentrated on what I’m trying to convey, that I’m often able to block everything else out. 

Rejection sensitivity isn’t always a negative

Apparently, when we’re in the flow, it means that we’re less sensitive to a chemical called dopamine flowing through our brains, so we’re less focused on the reward of a task – and more intent on simply getting it done well.

Talking of sensitivity, many people have a fear of being disliked or judged by others. For us, feelings of rejection in the workplace or at home can be overwhelming. This means that we often want to please people, which shouldn’t be perceived as a bad thing. 

If we channel these intense feelings in a positive way, we are naturally more vigilant to the needs and requirements of others. As a business person this is a crucial trait to have, as good leadership is rooted in wanting to do the best by your colleagues and those around you.  

Hyperarousal links to caring

I’m not the kind of guy to just phone in a day at work. While there will be people in business who don’t mind taking a back seat every now and then, our natural disposition of being passionate about the work we do lends itself to quick thinking and being pro-active. 

When we get a client win, we feel that more intensely than others. This is the feeling that drives us to improve through playing our part as much as we can, which is a valuable characteristic that colleagues and business leaders will come to respect.