Ways to Use Character Strengths
| Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence |
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| If appreciation of beauty and excellence is a top strength, you notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science and everyday experience. |
| Examples |
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Notice at least one instance of natural beauty around you every day (sunrise, sunset, clouds, sunshine, snow, trees, leaves, birds chirping, flowers, fruits and vegetables, etc.)
Keep a “beauty log.” When you believe you are seeing something beautiful- whether it is from nature, human-made, or the virtuous behavior of others- write it down. Describe the beauty in a few sentences.
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| Bravery |
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| If bravery is a top strength, you are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions. |
| Examples |
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Ask difficult questions that help you and others face reality. Be gentle and kind, but don’t keep questions inside merely because they are hard to express or answer.
Identify an area in which you generally shy away from confrontations. Practice the phrases, the tones, and the mannerisms that will enable you to effectively confront the situation next time.
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| Creativity |
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| If creativity is a top strength, thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible. |
| Examples |
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Compile an original and practical list of solutions or tips that will address common challenges faced by you and your peers. Share your list with others.
Set aside time each day for creative thinking or creative activities (such as: writing poems or using an everyday household object in a new way).
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| Curiosity |
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| If curiosity is a top strength, you are interested in learning more about anything and everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery. |
| Examples |
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Consider an activity that you dislike: Pay attention to three novel features of this activity while you do it.
Practice active curiosity and explore your current environment, paying attention to anything that you may often ignore or take for granted.
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| Fairness |
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| If fairness is a top strength, treating people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance. |
| Examples |
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Consider an activity that you dislike: Pay attention to three novel features of this activity while you do it.
Practice active curiosity and explore your current environment, paying attention to anything that you may often ignore or take for granted.
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| Forgiveness |
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| If forgiveness is a top strength, you are good at forgiving those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. You believe in mercy and not revenge. |
| Examples |
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Plan out what your response should be the next time someone offends you. Remind yourself of your plan (rehearse if possible) and periodically affirm, “No matter how he/ she offends me, I will respond as I have planned.”
Think of someone who wronged you recently. Put yourself in their shoes and try to understand their perspective.
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| Gratitude |
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| If gratitude is a top strength, you are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks. |
| Examples |
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Count three blessings (good things that happened to you) before going to bed each night.
Talk with your loved ones about two good things that happened to them during the day.
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| Honesty |
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| If honesty is a top strength, you are a straightforward person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth without pretense; you are a “real” person. |
| Examples |
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Honor your commitments in all of your relationships. If you agree to do something or schedule a time to meet with someone, be reliable and follow through.
The next time you are asked for advice, give constructive, direct and authentic feedback.
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| Humility |
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| If humility is a top strength, you do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty. |
| Examples |
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Admit your mistakes and apologize.
Compliment sincerely when you find someone is better than you in some ways.
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| Humor |
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| If humor is a top strength, you like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations. |
| Examples |
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Bring a smile to someone’s face through jokes, gestures, and playful activities. Be observant of the moods of others and respond to them.
Watch a funny sitcom/ movie or read a comic/ funny blog daily.
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| Judgment |
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| If judgment is a top strength, thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind. |
| Examples |
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| Before making a decision, consider the following first: “There is another way I could look at this,” or “There’s probably something I’m not seeing” in order to see it from all sides.
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| Kindness |
| If kindness is a top strength, you are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well. |
| Examples |
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Perform random acts of kindness (e.g. slowing to allow a car in front of you, complimenting a co-worker, buying a treat for your partner, etc.)
Smile when answering the phone and sound happy to hear from the person on the other end of the line. Greet others with a smile. When you ask people how they are, really listen for their response rather than conversing on “autopilot.”
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| Leadership |
| If leadership is a top strength, you excel at encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen. |
| Examples |
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Organize an event at work or at home that brings people together in some way.
When two people are in an argument, mediate by inviting others to share their thoughts and emphasizing problem solving. Set a respectful, open-minded tone for the discussion.
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| Love |
| If love is a top strength, you value close relationships with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring is reciprocated. The people whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you. |
| Examples |
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Engage in a favorite activity with a loved one.
Nurture close relationships by practicing an active- constructive response when someone shares news about an event. This means that you ask questions about the event or the person’s experience; show a sense of genuine enthusiasm and energy for their experience, and comment on the meaning it may have for them.
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| Love of Learning |
| If love of learning is a top strength, you love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums- anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn. |
| Examples |
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Converse with someone on a topic of mutual interest.
Read aloud with your loved ones. Take turns picking the reading material in order to share your interests with others.
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| Perseverance |
| If perseverance is a top strength, you work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you “get it out the door” in a timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks. |
| Examples |
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Keep a checklist of things to do and regularly update it. Make each item relatively simple to accomplish, so that you can have the satisfaction of a shrinking list to spur on further progress.
Share your goals with loved ones. Let them inspire you with encouragement and advice.
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| Perspective |
| If perspective is a top strength, you have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself. Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold that view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. |
| Examples |
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Exercise optimism and patience with tasks which challenge you most. Remember how these tasks fit into the larger scheme of things.
In your interactions, first focus on listening carefully and then focus on sharing your ideas and thoughts.
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| Prudence |
| If prudence is a top strength, you are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret. |
| Examples |
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Consult with trusted people in your life before making an important decision. Be aware of the importance of advice from people who know you well.
Think twice before saying anything. Do this exercise at least ten times a week and note its effects.
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| Self-Regulation |
| If self –regulation is a top strength, you self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and emotions, not vice versa. |
| Examples |
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Self-congratulate when you successfully resist a temptation or indulgence.
Next time you get upset, make a conscious effort to control your emotions and focus on positive attributes.
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| Social Intelligence |
| If social intelligence is a top strength, you are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know how to put others at ease. You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well. |
| Examples |
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Listen to family and friends empathically, without preparing rebuttals, and simply reflect your feelings.
Ask someone close to you about times when you did not emotionally understand him/ her and how he/she would like to be emotionally understood in the future.
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| Spirituality |
| If spirituality is a top strength, you have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you. |
| Examples |
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Cultivate sacred moments in which you set aside time to “just be” with a special/ sacred object or space/ environment.
Look for the deeper meaning and purpose of a difficult situation.
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| Teamwork |
| If teamwork is a top strength, you excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, and you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group. |
| Examples |
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Facilitate a group discussion and attempt to achieve consensus on a conflicting issue. Regardless of whether an agreement is reached, come away from the discussion having learned more about people with different views on the issue.
Help someone close to you set a goal and periodically check on their progress. Offer help and encouragement whenever you think it is needed. If the person reciprocates, allow them to help you achieve one of your goals.
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| Zest |
| If zest is a top strength, you approach all experiences with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure. |
| Examples |
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Do a physical activity of your choice, one that you don’t “have to do” and that you are not told to do. Notice how this affects your energy level. If you enjoy it, plan to do it regularly.
Call an old friend and reminisce about good old times. Notice how their laughter and joy make you feel.
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