Character Strengths Inventory

A comprehensive reference of personal strengths to explore

MindfulnessInfo SheetFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

Character Strengths Inventory

A comprehensive reference of personal strengths to explore

Character Strengths Inventory

A comprehensive reference of personal strengths to explore

Character strengths are the positive traits that reflect what is best in us. The VIA Classification of Character Strengths (Peterson & Seligman, 2004; updated by Niemiec, 2024) organizes 24 universal strengths under six broad virtues. Research shows that awareness and intentional use of signature strengths is associated with greater well-being, resilience, and life satisfaction. A meta-analysis of strengths-based interventions confirmed that deliberately exercising signature strengths produces meaningful increases in happiness and reductions in depression (Schutte & Malouff, 2019). Use this inventory as a starting point: review the categories, notice which strengths resonate most, and consider how you already use them in daily life.

Wisdom and Knowledge

Creativity: Thinking of novel and productive ways to approach problems or express ideas.Example: When your team hits a budget roadblock, you sketch out an unconventional workaround that no one else had considered.

Curiosity: Taking an interest in new experiences, topics, and ideas for their own sake.Example: You find yourself reading about how bridges are built after driving over one, simply because you wondered how it works.

Open-Mindedness: Examining things from all sides and weighing evidence fairly before forming conclusions.Example: During a heated debate, you genuinely listen to the opposing viewpoint and adjust your opinion when the evidence is compelling.

Love of Learning: Actively seeking new skills, knowledge, and areas of mastery.Example: You sign up for a pottery class on a whim and spend weekends practicing because mastering something new energizes you.

Perspective: Offering wise counsel and seeing the bigger picture in complex situations.Example: A friend is agonizing over a minor setback, and you help them see how it fits into their larger life journey.

Courage

Bravery: Acting on convictions even when facing opposition, difficulty, or fear.Example: Speaking up in a meeting to challenge a popular but unfair decision, even though it makes you uncomfortable.

Persistence: Finishing what you start and maintaining effort despite obstacles and setbacks.Example: You failed your driving test twice but kept practicing and showed up for the third attempt with renewed determination.

Honesty: Living authentically and representing yourself truthfully in word and action.Example: When a cashier gives you too much change, you point out the mistake rather than quietly pocketing the extra money.

Enthusiasm: Approaching life with energy, excitement, and a sense of vitality.Example: You wake up on Monday morning genuinely looking forward to the week, and your energy lifts the mood of everyone around you.

Humanity

Love: Valuing close, warm relationships and investing in genuine mutual care.Example: You make time every week for a phone call with your elderly grandmother, not out of obligation but because the connection matters deeply to you.

Kindness: Doing favors and good deeds for others without expecting anything in return.Example: You notice a new neighbor struggling to carry groceries and walk over to help without being asked.

Social Awareness: Being attuned to the feelings, motives, and needs of other people.Example: You sense that a quiet colleague is having a rough day and check in privately, which they later say meant the world to them.

Justice

Fairness: Treating all people equitably and giving everyone a fair chance.Example: When assigning tasks in a group project, you make sure the workload is balanced rather than letting one person carry the team.

Leadership: Organizing group activities, guiding a team, and encouraging others to contribute.Example: During a community fundraiser, you naturally step in to coordinate volunteers, set goals, and keep everyone motivated.

Cooperation: Working well as a member of a group, contributing your share, and supporting collective goals.Example: On a sports team, you focus on making assists and supporting teammates rather than chasing personal glory.

Temperance

Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment and offering a second chance to those who have wronged you.Example: After a friend cancels on you repeatedly, you have an honest conversation and choose to give the friendship another chance.

Modesty: Letting accomplishments speak for themselves rather than seeking the spotlight.Example: After leading a successful project, you credit the team in your presentation rather than highlighting your own role.

Self-Regulation: Managing impulses, emotions, and appetites in pursuit of long-term goals.Example: You feel the urge to snap back during an argument but take a deep breath and respond calmly instead.

Patience: Remaining calm and steady when results or progress take time.Example: You are teaching your child to tie their shoes and calmly demonstrate it again for the tenth time without frustration.

Transcendence

Gratitude: Noticing and appreciating the good things in life and expressing thanks.Example: At the end of each day, you mentally note three things that went well, even on a tough day.

Humor: Seeing the lighter side of situations and bringing laughter to yourself and others.Example: After a clumsy spill at dinner, you crack a joke that puts everyone at ease and turns an awkward moment into a shared laugh.

Spirituality: Having a sense of purpose, meaning, or connection to something larger than yourself.Example: Walking in nature, you feel a quiet sense of belonging to something vast and meaningful beyond your daily routine.

Optimism: Expecting the best and working to achieve it while remaining realistic about challenges.Example: After a setback at work, you acknowledge the difficulty but quickly start brainstorming what you can do differently next time.