Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, the founder of Positive Psychology, developed the VIA Character Strengths Survey as a psychological assessment designed to identify an individual’s core character strengths from a list of 24 strengths. Furthermore, they organized these strengths into six broad categories known as virtues: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.
Viacharacter.org defines character strengths as “the positive parts of your personality that make you feel authentic and engaged.”
Why are character strengths important?
Once you know your signature strengths, you can apply them to the interactions at work, in your personal life and in your relationships.
My signature strength is Self-Regulation (TEMPERANCE).
Self-regulation is defined as “Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions.”
My other top 5 character strengths:
- Perspective (WISDOM)
Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others. - Prudence (TEMPERANCE)
Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted. - Honesty (COURAGE)
Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions. - Love (HUMANITY)
Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing & caring are reciprocated; being close to people.
Applying my signature strengths
Firstly, I contribute to achievement through self-regulation by effectively down-regulating negative emotions in the face of challenging situations.
Secondly, perspective gives meaning and purpose to my life. I actively seek to see the bigger picture for myself and my fellow humans. I believe we are just at the beginning of human history and still have a lot to achieve collectively.
Thirdly, prudence contributes to achievement as I carefully weigh up all my important decisions. I skillfully list all the pros and cons of a decision and reach conclusions quite promptly. Sometimes neither decision offers a better outcome, which can prove to be quite challenging!
Next, honesty strengthens my relationships. I foster meaningful relationships by engaging with honesty. When I am truthful, I experience congruence, and connecting with something or someone real becomes an emotional experience.
Finally, Love enhances my existing relationships.
Click here to see the results for my big five personality profile.
Contact me for my full report.
