Character Strengths
In the southern hemisphere we are in the depths of Winter and in the Northern Hemisphere friends, family and colleagues are in the depths of a long school break. What better time to explore something that we all have, something positive that enables us to thrive. Character Strengths.
The late Dr Chris Peterson and Dr Martin Seligman (2004) looked at the positive qualities of humans over 2,500 years and from their research they created 24 character strengths which have stood the test of time. A strength is something you are not only good at, but you are energised by when you put it into action. If your top strength is kindness and you demonstrate kindness, it benefits others and you are also energised.
Everyone possesses all of the 24 character strengths. Our top five strengths are known as core strengths, others are known as lesser strengths, rather than weaknesses. All the character strengths can be developed with practice.
Chris Peterson (2006) argued that we should develop and use as many strengths of character as we can, and he suggested schools were places to teach character. If schools are a good place, then surely families would be even better.
Why Strengths?
Imagine a world with more kindness, love, leadership, hope, perseverance, courage. People who use their strengths often report feeling more confident and up to six times more engaged and able to achieve their goals. They have more job satisfaction, lower levels of stress, higher levels of energy, (McQuaid and Lawn 2014), higher subjective wellbeing and psychological wellbeing (fulfilment) (Govindjl and Linley 2007).
The 24 Virtue in Action (VIA) Character Strengths
The good news is you don't have to do anything new or anything more, just spot, notice and name, character strengths everywhere and in everything. Daily conversations, books, songs or actions and behaviours. If you see bravery, name it and how you saw it demonstrated. “I noticed how brave you were when you were nervous, but you still did it. ” Or “I loved the way you all helped pack away- great teamwork.” Notice your own Character Strengths too, and use your core strengths as much as you can. In time you will find that others around you are spotting character strengths with you. Strengths become a universal language of what is good and true in the world. A world where we recognise what is right with ourselves and each other, rather than what's wrong.
“Strengths are patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving that when exercised will excite, engage and energise you and allow you to perform at your optimum level.”