top of page
Search

Positive Psychology Part 2: Character Strengths

Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch, or Click here to listen to Episode 175.


*Disclaimer:

The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.




Episode 2: Determining Character Strengths and Applying Them

 

Welcome back friends! Today, Michelle is here with me, and we're delving into the 24 character strengths identified by psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman. These strengths, recognized and valued across various cultures and throughout history, play a significant role in our personal fulfillment. The real impact comes not just from identifying these strengths but from using them in practical, everyday ways to enhance our lives.


Here's your Activity Sheet for Module 2:




Why Character Strengths Matter

Character strengths are the foundation of who we are. They influence our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, contributing to our overall happiness and well-being. By focusing on our strengths rather than our weaknesses, we can cultivate a more fulfilling and positive life.

 

What You'll Do This Week:

- Define the 24 character strengths

- Determine your 5 greatest strengths using the VIA Survey

- Analyze your strengths and learn how to use them to your advantage

- Develop actionable tools to make the most of your strengths every day

 

The 24 Character Strengths

Psychologists Peterson and Seligman identified 24 character strengths that are universally recognized and valued across history and cultures. These strengths play a key role in personal fulfillment. The challenge is to first identify your top strengths, then develop them over time through positive psychology practices.

 

The 24 character strengths fall under 6 broad virtue categories:

1. Wisdom and Knowledge:Creativity, Curiosity, Open-Mindedness, Love of Learning, Perspective 

2. Courage:Bravery, Persistence, Integrity, Vitality

3. Humanity:Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence

4. Justice:Citizenship, Fairness, Leadership

5. Temperance:Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self-Regulation

6. Transcendence:Appreciation of Beauty, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Spirituality

 

Discovering Your Strengths: The VIA Survey

To begin harnessing the power of your strengths, it's important to first identify them. The VIA Survey is a free, comprehensive tool that helps you discover your personal strengths profile. I recommend taking this survey before diving into the next session. The survey takes about 15 minutes and provides valuable insights into your top strengths. You can take the survey here.

 

Analyzing Your Results

Once you’ve completed the VIA Survey, take time to review your results. Understanding your strengths is the first step in optimizing your life around them. By leveraging your best qualities, you can navigate life’s challenges more effectively and achieve greater success and fulfillment.

 

 What are the 24 Character Strengths?

 

 1. Wisdom and Knowledge

- Creativity (Originality):You thrive on innovation and are always looking for new ways to approach tasks. Your unique perspective brings fresh ideas to any situation.

- Curiosity:Your love for discovery drives you to explore the world around you. You find joy in learning and asking questions.

- Open-mindedness:You consider all sides of an issue before forming an opinion. Your ability to think critically and objectively is one of your greatest strengths.

- Love of Learning:You find happiness in gaining knowledge. Whether through reading, visiting museums, or engaging in new experiences, you see every moment as an opportunity to learn.

- Perspective (Wisdom):Others often seek your advice because of your ability to see the bigger picture. You bring clarity and understanding to complex situations.

 

 2. Courage

- Bravery:You face challenges head-on and stand up for what you believe is right, even when it’s difficult.

- Perseverance:Once you start something, you see it through to the end. Your determination helps you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

- Honesty:You live authentically, speaking and acting truthfully. Your integrity guides your decisions and actions.

 

 3. Humanity

- Kindness:You are generous and compassionate, always ready to help others. Your acts of kindness bring comfort and joy to those around you.

- Love:You value deep connections with others, nurturing relationships with care and affection.

- Social Intelligence:You understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others, allowing you to navigate social situations with ease.

 

 4. Justice

- Teamwork:You excel in group settings, contributing to the common good. You value cooperation and enjoy working towards shared goals.

- Fairness:You treat everyone equally, making decisions based on justice rather than personal bias.

- Leadership:You inspire and guide others, organizing group efforts and motivating people to work towards a collective vision.

 

 5. Temperance

- Forgiveness:You let go of grudges and offer second chances. Your ability to forgive helps you maintain peace in your relationships.

- Modesty:You are humble and prefer to let your achievements speak for themselves. You value honesty over self-promotion.

- Prudence:You make decisions carefully, considering the long-term effects of your actions. Your cautious approach helps you avoid unnecessary risks.

- Self-regulation:You have control over your impulses and emotions, maintaining discipline in your actions and decisions.

 

 6. Transcendence

- Appreciation of Beauty and Excellence:You find awe in the world around you, from nature to human achievements. This appreciation enriches your life and brings a sense of wonder.

- Gratitude:You are thankful for the good in your life, recognizing the value of people, experiences, and opportunities.

- Hope:You are optimistic about the future, believing that good things are possible and that your efforts will pay off.

- Humor:You enjoy making others laugh and find joy in the lighter side of life. Your sense of humor helps you and others cope with challenges.

- Spirituality:You have a strong sense of purpose and meaning in life, often connected to a belief in something greater than yourself.

 

Understanding and developing these 24 character strengths can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. By focusing on your strengths, you can navigate challenges more effectively, build stronger relationships, and achieve your goals. In our next session, we’ll explore practical ways to apply these strengths in your everyday life.


Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll continue our exploration of positive psychology and dive deeper into practical strategies for enhancing your well-being.

 

As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.


And until next time, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗


Promised Resources:



Additional Resources:

For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders.

 

Additional Resources can be found at:

 

Celebrated Recovery

 

Celebrate Recovery Meeting Locator:

 

Narcotics Anonymous

 

Alcoholics Anonymous

 

Finding a therapist:

 

Psychology Today

 

Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families

 

Co-dependents Anonymous

 

Description of Schema Focused Therapy

 


Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC 

Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com. 


Thanks for joining!


I hope this has been helpful today, and thank you for joining! As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.


And until next season, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗


*Disclaimer:

The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources below, or others in your area.


Mental Health Resources:






Tami West, PhD

Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.

Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.

Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.


Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.


Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.


Television Interviews


Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars. 




22 views0 comments

Comentarios

bottom of page