Meaning of character strengths

 A strength can be defined as a natural capacity for behaving, thinking, or feeling in a way that allows for optimal functioning & performance in the pursuit of valued outcomes (Linley & Harrington, 2006). It is something that an individual has a natural inclination towards. However, environmental factors and experiences may nurture and support the development of specific strengths or hinder their development, e.g., a child feels motivated to pursue her/his creative instincts if there is encouragement from significant others rather than ignoring or disregarding the child’s original thinking.

What Strengths are Not

Ø Talents (what we naturally do well): These are naturally occurring patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour. They are potential strengths.

Ø Skills (what we train ourselves to do): These are specific competencies we develop or acquire because they are needed to do our job well, relate better with people or the environment, e.g., computer skills, communication skills, driving skills, etc. Character strengths can push us to building specific skills. The strength of the love for learning can drive us to learning computer skills which also gives us an edge in the job market.

Ø Interests (our passions): preference towards certain activities or goals that are significant to the individual. Character strengths and interests are closely linked. We might choose interests that give the opportunity to display our strengths. For example, interest in civil services because it helps me to use my strength of leadership.

Ø Resources (our external supports): these are systems available in our environment that help us to live well, e.g., social network of family and friends, access to health and education etc. We use our character strengths (like gratitude, empathy, and social intelligence) to build and maintain these resources.

Ø Values (what we internally hold dear): internalized goals and desires that are socially and morally approved. Strengths are values in action. When our values get translated into behaviour, we are displaying our character strengths.

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