The field of Positive Psychology gives personal strengths strong consideration. Developed in the early 2000’s as an alternative to traditional psychology which focuses more on what’s not working with people, Positive Psychology explores what’s working. Martin Seligman, and Christopher Peterson and a team of psychologists have been expanding the concept of strengths.
The goal of positive psychology is to define what is best about people. The VIA (Values in Action) assessment grew out of Positive Psychology and was created in 2003. This free assessment has been taken by nearly 35 million individuals. There are 192 questions and there is no time limit.
Values applied equals strengths.
There are 24 strengths that fall under 6 broad categories of Virtues. Here they are.
- Wisdom and Knowledge: Creativity, Curiosity, Open-mindedness, Love of Learning, Perspective, Innovation
- Courage: Bravery, Persistence, Integrity, Vitality, Zest
- Humanity: Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence
- Justice: Citizenship, Fairness, Leadership
- Temperance: Forgiveness and Mercy, Humility, Prudence, Self-control
- Transcendence: Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Spirituality
If you have not already done so I encourage you to take the free VIA. Here’s the website: www.viacharacter.org
Click on the small green box on the top right (Take the survey).
This free version will show your top five strengths.
After you complete the VIA consider how your top five strengths show up in your life and work. Which ones would you like to develop more?
Feel free to share your responses and observations with me.
My top strength and their virtue category:
- Creativity (Wisdom Virtue)
- Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence (Transcendence)
- Love of Learning (Wisdom)
- Curiosity (Wisdom)
- Humor (Transcendence)