Description of VIA Signature Strengths
Aug/Monday/2008 01:32 PM Filed in: Happiness
and positive emotion
The field of Positive Psychology has given way to the
study of what makes us thrive. Some great research
has shown us, that as human beings we share certain
positive traits, no matter where in the world one
lives! Below is an example of the description of
Signature Strengths you will get when you take the
VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire at the www.AuthenticHappiness.com
website at University of Pennsylvania. You can
take the test free of change. You’ll want
to find new ways to use your strengths
regularly, because research has shown you can
improve your overall happiness by doing so! See
the book “Authentic Happiness” as
well for further information.
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or
pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your
convictions.
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all
subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for
granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person
because you always take the time to express your thanks.
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a
genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a
"real" person.
Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your
personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a
chance.
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all
domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never
content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never
do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always
loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an
opportunity to learn.
Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring
Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second
chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the
future is something that you can control.
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of
who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to
make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.
Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You
enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the
universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your
actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and
preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a
good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You
try to see the light side of all situations.
Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you
always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.
Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door"
in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction
in completing tasks.
Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you.
They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of
looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.
Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not
say or do things that you might later regret.
Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit
in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.
Self-control and self-regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined
person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.
Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for
themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value
your modesty.
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or
pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your
convictions.
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all
subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for
granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person
because you always take the time to express your thanks.
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a
genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a
"real" person.
Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your
personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a
chance.
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all
domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never
content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never
do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always
loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an
opportunity to learn.
Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring
Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second
chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the
future is something that you can control.
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of
who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to
make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.
Kindness and generosity
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You
enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the
universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your
actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and
preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a
good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You
try to see the light side of all situations.
Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you
always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.
Industry, diligence, and perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door"
in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction
in completing tasks.
Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you.
They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of
looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.
Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not
say or do things that you might later regret.
Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit
in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.
Self-control and self-regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined
person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.
Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for
themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value
your modesty.