Do a quick audit of your life right now by asking yourself some questions, such as:
Regardless of your answers, research shows you have the capacity for more… more happiness, more meaning, more success. You can build what positive psychology experts call “the good life”—a life that focuses on well-being and flourishing.
Oftentimes, the hardest part of personal growth is getting started. Where do you begin?
In traditional psychology, you’d start by defining a problem and then look for ways to solve it.
Positive psychology is different. It offers an alternative to typical deficit-based approaches by exploring what’s working well for you and enhancing those qualities and experiences.
Start with strengths focuses on amplifying the good in yourself, your life and those around you. With strategies like mindful strengths use, strengths spotting and using your strengths in new ways, you’ll discover effective ways to improve your health, happiness and relationships. Here’s how.
Mindfully using your strengths improves self-confidence
The research-based tool I’m using reveals your unique list of character strengths. But, knowing your strengths is just the beginning. When you mindfully use your strengths you connect them to all of your daily actions, behaviors and interactions. You recognize that it’s your strength of love that thoughtfully prepares your kids’ lunches, your prudence that gets you to work on time, and your self-regulation that chooses the healthy snack option.
Such exploration helps you appreciate the wonderful qualities you bring to the world on a daily basis. When you’re clear about how you contribute positively to those around you, you’re more confident and less likely to compare yourself to others.
Strengths-spotting nurtures relationships
Every person has a biological need to be “seen” for who they are. Strengths-spotting involves consciously looking for the 24 character strengths in others’ behaviors, and verbally acknowledging appreciation for the strength. After all, receiving a compliment feels good, right?
Labelling the character strength gives the person new insight into their action, and expressing appreciation allows the person to feel that their character strengths matter (Niemiec, 2018).
Applying your strengths in new ways enhances life satisfaction
It’s easy to get comfortable in a familiar routine. Sometimes trying new things can seem difficult or overwhelming. But according to science, people who find new ways to use their strengths throughout their day are happier and less depressed (Seligman, et al. 2005).
Using your best qualities in novel ways allows you to discover different parts of yourself and what you are capable of. Not only does it boost confidence and courage, but it also creates new memories to reflect on and savor.
Start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong
The power is within you. You can choose to look at negatives and weaknesses or you can start with strengths. I can help you with identifying your strengths with the scientifically rooted tools, and with exploring your unique strengths and by means of providing guidance on how to apply these strengths at home, at work and in relationships.