Character Strengths Inventory

A comprehensive reference of personal strengths to explore

MindfulnessInfo SheetFree ResourceLast reviewed April 2026

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.

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Common Questions

What is the Character Strengths Inventory worksheet?

How do I use the Character Strengths Inventory 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 Character Strengths Inventory 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 Character Strengths Inventory worksheet for?

It is designed for therapists and counselors doing mindfulness 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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