Have you ever thought about the qualities that make you uniquely You?

Throughout our lives, we develop our own innate psychological strengths of character. Some of these we’ve learned from the world around us, work, family and so on and some of these strengths and qualities arise out of the things we most value.

Understanding and leveraging our character strengths can be a transformative experience. In a way, they help us to show up as our most authentic selves every day. In this blog post, we look into the concept of VIA strengths and explore the myriad benefits of recognising and incorporating them into our daily lives.

The Values in Action (VIA) classification of character strengths, developed by positive psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman, provides a framework for identifying and using these inherent qualities and helps us understand how they manifest in different aspects of our lives.

Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

Knowing what makes us tick makes life much easier to navigate, helps avoid unnecessary stress, and guides us to build the life we want.

The process of identifying VIA strengths initiates a journey of self-discovery. By gaining insight into our inherent qualities, we become more attuned to what makes us unique. Everyone is different, and self-awareness lays the foundation for personal growth. Importantly, it helps us deal with life's challenges and capitalise on the opportunities that come our way.

*When we align our actions with our strengths, we experience greater congruence between our values and behaviours, leading to enhanced well-being and life satisfaction (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005).

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Life is full of challenges, and the ability to navigate adversity with resilience is a key factor in mental and emotional wellbeing.

Our strengths play a pivotal role in bolstering resilience by providing us with internal resources to confront and overcome difficulties. For example, the strength of perseverance may empower someone to persist in the face of setbacks, while optimism can serve as a beacon of hope during challenging times.

*Research by Ruch, Weber, Park, and Peterson (2014) suggests that certain VIA strengths, such as perseverance and zest, are particularly associated with resilience and positive outcomes in the face of stress.

Improved Relationships and Social Connections

Our character strengths not only shape our individual experiences but also influence our interactions with others.

Recognizing and leveraging VIA strengths in social contexts can lead to more authentic and fulfilling relationships. Strengths such as kindness, love, and gratitude contribute to the building of positive social connections, fostering a sense of community and support.

*A study by Layous, Nelson, Oberle, Schonert-Reichl, and Lyubomirsky (2012) found that individuals who engaged in acts of kindness, a strength associated with positive relationships, experienced increased life satisfaction and social acceptance. By consciously applying our strengths in social interactions, we contribute to a positive, reciprocal cycle of well-being.

Positive Mental Health and WellBeing

The relationship between character strengths and positive mental health is well-established in positive psychology literature.

Individuals can cultivate a growth mindset, enhance emotional well-being, and build psychological resilience by intentionally incorporating VIA strengths into daily life.

*Seligman et al. (2005) found that individuals who regularly utilised their top strengths experienced higher levels of life satisfaction and reduced symptoms of depression. Engaging in activities that align with one's strengths provides a source of intrinsic motivation and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to a positive feedback loop of well-being (Niemiec, 2013).

Can you use your strengths to do more of what works for you?

In the pursuit of a fulfilling and meaningful life, understanding and leveraging our strengths are invaluable tools. From fostering self-discovery and personal growth to enhancing resilience, relationships, and overall wellbeing, the benefits of recognising and utilising character strengths are far-reaching.

Stay safe and well

Kim

If you’d like to discover your own VIA strengths and learn how to use them in your everyday life so you can experience more wellbeing, opportunities and connection, book a session with us today and start cultivating your greatest asset - you!

References

Buckingham, M., & Clifton, D. O. (2001). Now, discover your strengths. Free Press.

Harzer, C., & Ruch, W. (2012). The application of signature character strengths and positive experiences at work. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(4), 799–809. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-011-9271-4

Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., Oberle, E., Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Kindness counts: Prompting prosocial behavior in preadolescents boosts peer acceptance and well-being. PLoS ONE, 7(12), e51380. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0051380

Niemiec, R. M. (2013). VIA character strengths: Research and practice (The First 10 Years). In H. H. Knoop & A. Delle Fave (Eds.), Well-being and cultures: Perspectives on positive psychology (pp. 11–30). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-5195-8_2

Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. Oxford University Press.

Ruch, W., Weber, M., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2014). Character strengths in children and adolescents: Reliability and initial validity of the German Values in Action Inventory of Strengths for Youth (German VIA-Youth). European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 30(1), 57–64. https://doi.org/10.1027/1015-5759/a000197

Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive psychology progress: Empirical validation of interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.60.5.410