We all know people who always seem to be cheerful and upbeat, no matter what they may be going through. They possess optimism and resilience and seem to be able to surmount their troubles easily.
People who frequently experience joy often possess strengths that contribute to their positive outlook and emotional well-being. They display strong optimism, and gratitude and have the ability to rebound from setbacks. These strengths contribute to a positive mindset and the ability to find joy in various aspects of life.
A strength is authentic. When people use their strengths they feel like their true selves and they might say it feels natural, like something they were born to do.
In positive psychology individuals are encouraged to identify and understand their unique strengths in pursuit of their personal development and goal-setting.
According to Alex Linley, author and expert on positive psychology.,
“… a strength is a pre-existing capacity for a particular way of behaving, thinking, or feeling that is authentic and energizing to the user, and enables optimal functioning, development and performance”
While pre-existing means it is already there, it does not mean that every person has used or developed their strengths equally. If it comes easily, and is predominant in what we do, for instance, creativity, its because many of our strengths can be traced back to childhood, where they were our preferred activities.
Most people usually can name one or two key strengths they know to possess. In reality, the number of strengths a person has can vary widely, but by using assessments tool like the VIA * Survey of Character Strengths, individuals can discover 5 to 10 strengths that are most pronounced.
* Values in Action
The first step in strength development is awareness, and it requires a process of self-examination, reflection, and self-discovery. The only way to know your unique strengths, is to look within, through introspection.
Using a strength is energising. Perhaps this is one of the most important characteristics of a strength. While our weaknesses often drain us, strengths provide us with energy. Activities that rely on your strengths are enjoyable and feel as if your energy levels are being raised.
Try this!
If you are not sure what your strengths may be, try the following exercise to gain some self-knowledge in terms of the strengths you may possess.
List activities that give you energy. Take a moment to reflect on how you feel during and after the activity. Are you energized, satisfied, or content? Pay attention to your emotions and overall mood. Consider the following steps to guide you:
Step One – Briefly describe the activity. Make sure to write down activities that you performed/accomplished rather than emotions you felt due to someone else’s actions (for example: don’t write down “I felt happy for receiving positive feedback on my marketing presentation”).
Step Two -Write down what you experienced during the activity (emotions, feelings). Try to be specific when listing your experience and emotions. For example: “I felt happy and accomplished after getting through my presentation without stuttering” or “I was feeling dreadful when I realized that I had forgotten my sister’s birthday.” Avoid vague sentences such as: “I enjoyed going to the park with my family” or “I feel bad that my sister is upset.”
Step Three -Record the extent to which you enjoyed the activity. You might want to use a scale of 1 to 4 ( no neutral zone)
Step Four -Record the amount of energy that the activity provided. (See list of energy indicators below to assist you
Step Five -List possible strength(s) that you were using during the activity.
Energy Indicators
• Body Signals: Notice physical cues like increased energy, relaxed muscles, or a sense of lightness.
• Engagement Level: If time seems to fly by and you’re fully absorbed, it’s likely a positive experience.
• Smile and Laughter: Genuine smiles and laughter are indicators of joy and positive energy.
• Stress Reduction: Activities that reduce stress and bring a sense of calmness or relaxation
• Motivation and Enthusiasm: Positive energy often fuels a desire to continue or repeat the activity.
• Social Connection: If the activity leaves you feeling connected after social interactions
• Accomplishment and Satisfaction: Achieving goals or completing tasks can be a source of positive energy.
Footnote
How do you distinguish strengths like creativity and gratitude, from talents and abilities like perfect pitch and verbal IQ?
Talents are strengths that are innate abilities, which typically have a strong biological loading, and may or may not be well-developed (e.g., intelligence, musical ability, athletic ability).
Skills are strengths that are specific proficiencies developed through training (e.g., learning a particular trade, computing skills, researching skills)
Interests are areas or topics an individual is passionate about and driven to pursue, such as playing sports, engaging in particular hobbies, and working with arts or crafts.
Values are enduring beliefs, principles, or ideals that are of prime importance to the individual.
