From a very young age, most of us are taught to focus on our weaknesses. We get feedback on what we need to improve, we work on our shortcomings, and we spend our energy trying to fix what we think is broken. But what if this approach is backward? What if the real key to unlocking your potential lies not in fixing your flaws, but in amplifying what is already strong within you?
This is the central idea of positive psychology. It suggests that while managing our weaknesses is important, truly thriving comes from understanding and using our core character strengths. These are the positive parts of your personality that are authentic to you, that make you feel engaged, and that you are naturally good at. This guide will help you discover your core character strengths.
As the ancient philosopher Aristotle taught, this journey of self-discovery is the very foundation of a well-lived life:
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
What Are Character Strengths?
Think of character strengths as your inner superpowers. They are different from talents or skills. A talent might be something you are good at, like playing music or sports. A skill is something you can learn, like coding or public speaking. A character strength is about who you are at your core. It’s a positive trait that feels natural and energizing to use.
Pioneering psychologists Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson created a framework of 24 universally valued character strengths, including things like:
- Creativity: Thinking of new and productive ways to do things.
- Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others.
- Perseverance: Finishing what one starts despite obstacles.
- Curiosity: Taking an interest in experience for its own sake.
- Bravery: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, or pain.
- Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for good things that happen.
Everyone possesses all 24 of these strengths in different degrees. The ones that are most essential to who you are are known as your “signature strengths.”
The Power of a Strengths-Based Approach
When you shift your focus from your weaknesses to your strengths, your entire experience of life can change. Research has shown that people who know and use their signature strengths regularly are more likely to:
- Feel Happier and More Confident: Using your strengths is intrinsically rewarding. It feels good and boosts your self-esteem.
- Have More Energy: Engaging in activities that use your core strengths is energizing, not draining.
- Be More Engaged: People who use their strengths at work are more likely to love their jobs and be more productive.
- Be More Resilient: Your strengths are your best internal resources for navigating stress and bouncing back from adversity.
How to Discover Your Core Character Strengths
While you might already have an idea of your strengths, a structured assessment can bring incredible clarity. We’ve designed a simple, interactive tool to help you identify your signature strengths.
Our Strengths Discovery tool is inspired by the foundational research in positive psychology. It will guide you through a series of questions to help you pinpoint the top five character strengths that are most central to your personality. This is not a test you can pass or fail; it is a mirror for reflecting on your best qualities.
➡️ Open the Strengths Discovery Tool Now
You’ve Found Your Strengths. Now What?
Discovery is the first step. Application is where the magic happens.
- Spot Your Strengths in Action. Look back on your past week. Can you identify one specific moment where you used one of your top strengths? Acknowledging this helps you see them more clearly.
- Use One Strength in a New Way. This week, pick one signature strength and find a new way to express it. If Curiosity is one of your strengths, read about a topic you know nothing about. If it’s Kindness, pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line.
- Practice with a Game. To make this process more fun and consistent, try our Strength Spotter game, which is designed to help you apply your strengths to real-life challenges.
Your Strengths Are Your Superpowers
Your character strengths are your unique contribution to the world. They are the tools you have been given to build a life of meaning, engagement, and joy. Knowing them is like discovering you have a set of superpowers. Learning to use them every day is how you truly begin to fly.