Why this matters
When we talk about a person’s character, we mean the sum total of who that person is: how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours shape who they are, how they see the world and how they interact with the people around them. Every person has character strengths. These are positive qualities that are part of who we are and come naturally to us. It’s much easier for us to use our strengths during times of adversity than to try and manage our weaknesses.
For example, if patience isn’t your strength, trying to be patient when faced with a delay in a work project isn’t easy. On the other hand, if creativity is a strength, distracting yourself from the stress and frustration of waiting while you begin a new, creative project might be helpful.
We all have many character strengths, but we don’t all have the same ones to the same degree. For example, while everyone has curiosity, it’s stronger in some people than in others. Also, any strength can be overused to the point of being a problem. Using the example of curiosity, not enough can make life boring – too much can make you seem nosy or intrusive.
Recognizing our strengths and using them wisely can help us improve our own self-confidence and build connections with other people.
Assess your strengths
Every person has all 24 character strengths in different degrees, giving each person a unique character profile. You can discover your personal character strengths profile by taking the free scientifically validated VIA Survey. It’ll take you approximately 15 minutes. There’s no need to purchase the full report to learn about your top strengths for this activity.
The VIA Character Strengths Survey is part of a research project, so you’ll need to provide personal information, including your name and email address for research purposes.
Character strengths
The following is the list of 24 character strengths identified by the VIA Institute on Character.
Wisdom
Creativity. Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are.
Curiosity. You like exploration and discovery.
Judgment. You think things through and examine them from all sides.
Love-of-learning. You have a passion for mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge.
Perspective. People who know you consider you wise.
Courage
Bravery. You don't shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain.
Honesty. You live your life in a genuine and authentic way.
Perseverance. You work hard to finish what you start.
Zest. You approach everything you do with excitement and energy.
Humanity
Kindness. You're kind and generous to others.
Love. You value close relations with others.
Social intelligence. You know how to fit into different social situations.
Justice
Fairness. One of your abiding principles is to treat all people fairly.
Leadership. You excel at encouraging a group to get things done.
Teamwork. You excel as a member of a group.
Temperance
Forgiveness. You forgive those who've done you wrong.
Humility. You don't seek the spotlight, and others recognize and value your modesty.
Prudence. You're a careful person.
Self-regulation. You're a disciplined person.
Transcendence
Appreciation of beauty. You notice and appreciate beauty and excellence in all areas of life.
Gratitude. You're aware of good things that happen and don’t take them for granted.
Hope. You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it
Humour. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you.
Spirituality. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Take action
Using your results from the VIA Survey or using the list above, write down your top 3 strengths.
Now, for each of your top 3 strengths ask yourself the question, "How can I use this strength to help me deal with stress and challenges?"
For example:
If your strength is forgiveness, you could answer the question with, "Because I prefer mercy and not revenge, it’s easier to move on, even when someone hurts me."
If your strength is love-of-learning, you could answer the question with, "When things go wrong, I know I can examine the situation and learn a new way of going forward."
If your strength is bravery, you could answer the question with, "Even when I'm opposed by many, I'm able to do what I think is right."
Because our strengths are naturally easier for us than our weaknesses, they’re more readily available during times of stress. When we understand how to use our strengths to deal with stress, we can intentionally draw on them to deal with our challenges.
For more information check out the VIA institute for character at viacharacter.org.
Identifying your strengths and learning how to use them to deal with challenges also helps build resilience. See Use your strengths to manage stress to see how.