Editorial

Identify your strengths

The route to optimum happiness lies in identifying your signature strengths, then building on them and using them in the main realms of your life. Think carefully about your strengths;

  • PublishedJuly 9, 2012

The route to optimum happiness lies in identifying your signature strengths, then building on them and using them in the main realms of your life. Think carefully about your strengths; ask a trusted friend or family member to help you make a list. Your list could capture some of the following traits:

*Wisdom and knowledge: curiosity, love of learning, judgment, ingenuity, social intelligence, perspective and so on.

*Courage: valour, integrity and perseverance.

*Humanity and love: kindness and loving.

*Justice: love of country, fairness and leadership qualities.

*Temperance: self-control, prudence and humility.

*Transcendence: appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, spirituality, forgiveness, humour and zest for life.

This list is not exhaustive but it will guide you in picking your strengths. Look at the top five strengths on your list and cross off any that you don’t feel comfortable with. For example, even though you may score highly on leadership qualities, you may not enjoy being a leader because it makes you feel drained, and it, therefore, ceases to be signature strength. Once you identify your strengths, use them as frequently as you can and in as many settings as possible. Using your signature strengths every day in the main areas of your life will bring abundant gratification and authentic happiness.

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