4.1: Discovering Your Strengths
- Page ID
- 206261
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- Define the term "strength" in the context of positive psychology.
- Assess the purpose and utility of strengths assessments like Gallup StrengthsFinder Assessment for personal and professional development.
- Figure out ways to use your strengths in everyday situations to make life better.
Start out this chapter by watching this general video on YouTube by Elvira Marie Chang on What is Gallup StrengthsFinder?¹
Next, explore an insightful article about the CliftonStrengths Finder, authored by Jeremy Sutton, Ph.D., available on PositivePsychology.com entitled Understanding the CliftonStrengths Assessment: A Guide².
Afterward, read Chapter 10 of 'Positive Psychology: The Basics'³ by Rona Hart. This chapter offers a comprehensive overview of Character Strengths and Virtues, providing valuable insights into this fundamental aspect of positive psychology.
Check out this insightful review by Ghielen and colleagues titled "Promoting Positive Outcomes Through Strengths Interventions: A Literature Review"⁴ for a review of the benefits associated with strengths interventions.
Celebrating our Unique Strengths
Each of us possesses unique strengths that define who we are. There is no need for engaging in negative upwards comparisons that reduce our self-worth.
Consider how much research has been conducted to understand and celebrate our positive traits, rather than just pinpointing what needs improvement. By shifting our focus to what is already great about ourselves, we can channel efforts into building on those strengths.
But what exactly are these strengths? A strength can fall under several categories, from physical abilities to mental resilience and moral integrity. Strength can be found in the resilience of our bodies, the agility of our minds, and our character. By recognizing these diverse strengths, we can empower ourselves to thrive in our unique ways.
Uncovering your strengths often begins with taking a strengths test or assessment. These assessments serve multiple purposes. As you progress in your career, you'll inevitably encounter interviews where discussing your strengths and weaknesses is common. It's a common human trait to overlook our strengths while dwelling on our weaknesses. However, knowing and embracing our strengths not only boosts our overall well-being but also guides us toward personal improvement and fulfillment.
Of course, identifying your strengths is just the start - what truly matters is putting them into action regularly and finding new ways to leverage them.
If you are interested in completing a strengths finder assessment, here are some resources:
Attribution
¹Elvira Marie Chang. (2021, August 11). What is Gallup StrengthsFinder? / What is CliftonStrengths? [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/4rITEvVDqpo?si=m5JvA8fmsakf3rJj
²Sutton, J. (2021, September 23). Understanding the CliftonStrengths™ Assessment: A Guide. PositivePsychology.Com. https://positivepsychology.com/clift...hs-assessment/
³Hart, R. (2020). Character strengths and virtues. In Positive Psychology: The Basics (pp. 140–146). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315147857-10
⁴Ghielen, S. T. S., van Woerkom, M., & Christina Meyers, M. (2018). Promoting positive outcomes through strengths interventions: A literature review. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(6), 573–585. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2017.1365164
⁵Inc, G. (n.d.). CliftonStrengths. Gallup.Com. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx