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 shows that people who use their character strengths experience greater well-being and engagement (Harzer & Ruch, 2013; Schutte & Malouff, 2019), and character strengths predict resilience (Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017). 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
- Look back over the last seven days. Which moment left you feeling most energized or absorbed? What were you doing, and which of your strengths were in play?
- Pick a hobby you keep coming back to. What pulls you toward it, and which of your abilities does it use?
- 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
- Where in your life have things gone well: friendships, school or work, creative projects, your health? Which of your qualities made the difference?
- Describe a day when you felt like the best version of yourself, and what made you feel capable. Then think of a day that left you worn out. What changed between the two?
Strengths in Action
- Who is someone you look up to? Name two or three of their strengths. Do you see any of them in yourself, even in a smaller or different way?
- 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?
References
- Harzer, C., & Ruch, W. (2013). The application of signature character strengths and positive experiences at work. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(3), 965-983. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9364-0
- Martínez-Martí, M. L., & Ruch, W. (2017). Character strengths predict resilience over and above positive affect, self-efficacy, optimism, social support, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 12(2), 110-119. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2016.1163403
- Schutte, N. S., & Malouff, J. M. (2019). The impact of signature character strengths interventions: A meta-analysis. Journal of Happiness Studies, 20(4), 1179-1196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-018-9990-2
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Common Questions
What is the Discovering Your Character Strengths worksheet?
Positive psychology research shows that people who use their character strengths experience greater well-being and engagement (Harzer & Ruch, 2013; Schutte & Malouff, 2019), and character strengths predict resilience (Martínez-Martí & Ruch, 2017).
How do I use the Discovering Your Character Strengths worksheet?
Read through this resource to learn key concepts. Share with your therapist or use as a study reference. You can print this sheet or bookmark it for quick access later.
Is the Discovering Your Character Strengths worksheet free?
Yes. Like every worksheet on Therapy Resource, it is free to read, print, and download as a PDF, no account required. A Pro subscription adds online filling with saved progress, practice-branded PDF exports, and secure client sharing.
Who is the Discovering Your Character Strengths worksheet for?
It is designed for therapists and counselors doing general work with clients, and for individuals using it for self-guided practice. Pro members can share it with clients through a private link. No client account needed.
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