Discovering Your Character Strengths
Reflective questions to uncover what you do best
Discovering Your Character Strengths
Reflective questions to uncover what you do best
Discovering Your Character Strengths
Reflective questions to uncover what you do best
Positive psychology research (Niemiec, 2024; Seligman, 2021) shows that people who identify and regularly use their character strengths experience greater well-being, engagement, and resilience. Many of our most powerful strengths feel so natural that we overlook them. The questions below are designed for individual reflection or guided discussion to help bring hidden strengths into awareness.
Strengths Through Energy and Engagement
- Think about the past week. When did you feel most alive, focused, or energized? What were you doing, and what personal strengths were you drawing on?
- Consider your favorite hobbies or activities. What specifically draws you to them? How do they put your strengths to work?
- When do you lose track of time because you are so absorbed in what you are doing? What strengths fuel that state of flow?
Strengths Through the Eyes of Others
- What positive qualities have other people praised in you, whether friends, family, teachers, or colleagues? How did they first notice these qualities?
- Think of a time someone came to you for help. What did they need from you, and what strength of yours made you the right person to ask?
- If you asked three people who know you well to describe your greatest strength, what do you think they would say? Would their answers surprise you?
Strengths Through Achievement and Adversity
- In what areas of life have you had the most success, whether in relationships, learning, creativity, health, or career? What personal qualities helped you succeed?
- Recall a time you were at your best. Describe what you were doing and what made you feel confident. Now compare that with a time you felt drained. What is different about the two situations?
Strengths in Action
- Think of someone you deeply admire. What are their greatest strengths? Do you share any of these qualities, perhaps in a different form?
- What kinds of situations leave you feeling depleted or frustrated? What weaknesses might these situations expose, and how could a complementary strength help you cope?
- Consider a goal you are working toward. How could you redesign your approach to lean more heavily on your top strengths?
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