I’ve noticed quite some positive effects!
This is one of the reasons why in my Coaching & Mentoring practice I always start by creating awareness around these character strengths – First, I use scientifically-backed assessments for my clients to identify these strengths. And once my clients are aware, I can help them to apply these strengths in their daily lives.
But how can you best apply these strengths in new ways? How do you make the most of it to benefit yourself and others? And after all, each strength is a capacity for thinking, feeling and behaving…! On the surface, this exercise is self-explanatory:
Studies repeatedly show that this exercise is connected with long-term benefits (e.g., 6 months) such as higher levels of happiness and lower levels of depression.
In practice, however, people sometimes find it surprisingly challenging to come up with new ways to use one of their signature strengths. This is because we are very accustomed to using our strengths AND we frequently use our strengths mindlessly without much awareness. For example, have you paid much attention to level of kindness on the highway? Your judgment while at a team meeting?
In some instances, you might feel challenged to come up with examples. Let me help. After you choose one of your signature strengths, consider the following 10 areas to help jolt new ideas within you and stretch your approach to the strength.
How might I express the character strength…
Did you know there are 5 strengths that are linked to greater levels of happiness: In the US sample, the strengths most strongly correlated with life satisfaction were zest, hope, love, gratitude, and curiosity, and in the Swiss sample, the strengths most strongly correlated with life satisfaction were zest, hope, love, curiosity, and perseverance (Source Dr. Ryan Niemiec).
If you would like to learn how to activate these strengths and/or your other character strengths just shout!