Sensitivity is a Superpower: Support the Book "Perceptive"

Have you always felt more deeply, or thought very differently, than others around you?

About 30% of the global population have a trait called sensory processing sensitivity (SPS), or environmental sensitivity. You might’ve heard the term “highly sensitive person,” or HSP.

Or not. For a trait that so many people have, it’s a well-kept secret.

But that’s not really surprising. If you’ve heard since childhood that you’re too sensitive, or too much, or you need to grow a thicker skin, it’s not something you advertise. Especially in a world that values the loud, the bold, the in-your-face.

Research shows that the brains of HSPs take in a lot more information and process it more deeply than less sensitive brains, and that parts of the brain are activated under different conditions.

We perceive the world in ways others don’t. We’re highly perceptive—in every sense of the word. We are wired differently.

That perceptiveness, the way we’re wired, gives us strengths I consider superpowers: Strong empathy. Powerful intuition. Creativity. Conscientiousness. The ability to quickly and easily connect dots, read a room, see several steps ahead. And more.

My name is Rachel Radway, and I’m the author of Perceptive: Owning Your Power When You’re Wired Differently. I wrote this book because too many smart (sometimes brilliant), talented high-achievers spend their lives thinking they’re weird or crazy or broken or wrong. Masking to try to fit in. Burning themselves out. Feeling unheard and alone.

The truth is that under the right conditions, these are some of the most creative thinkers, best strategists, and most effective and compassionate leaders our organizations, corporations and society could ever have.

I wrote this book to increase awareness and understanding of high sensitivity and other forms of neurodivergence, as well as to offer guidance to others who are wired differently on embracing their strengths and better managing their challenges.

Perceptive is both part of my professional mission and vision and a profoundly personal journey. And it’s not just my story: I talked with 16 other women, all leaders in their various spheres, all highly sensitive and extremely perceptive. The experiences and stories they shared about their struggles and their strengths, how they’ve found success and joy, and what they’ve learned along the way, are woven throughout the book. I’m grateful and excited to share them with you.

A note: SPS is gender-agnostic. Before I started writing Perceptive, I interviewed several male leaders who identify as highly sensitive. While they expressed some of the same challenges as the women, there were notable differences. Because I work primarily with women in my coaching and masterminds and was writing from my own experience, I chose to focus on this group. That said, anyone of any gender who’s wired differently will find relatable, usable stories and information in the book.

More About My Publishing Journey

Working with a hybrid publisher is different from self-publishing or going with a conventional publisher. I self-funded the first part of the project, which included the support I needed to write a first draft of my manuscript. To bring the book to life and actually publish it, I need to raise about $6K more to cover:

Optional rewards:

Backers who donate at least $100 will have the option to receive a signed paperback copy of Perceptive when it's published, plus an invitation to a virtual launch party and panel with some of the leaders interviewed for the book.

Interested in other kinds of packages? Visit https://www.rercoaching.com/ for more information and let's talk!