2.2 How to use character strengths with your family to enhance wellbeing
Inventory of strengths
One of the best ways to identify your own character strengths is to complete the free Values in Action Inventory of Strengths (VIA-IS) [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] online resource.
It takes about 15 minutes to answer a series of questions that were developed by Professor Martin Seligman and the late Professor Chris Peterson in 2004.
The resource provides an instant report that contains an overview of your character strength profile, and includes your top five best qualities, or signature strengths. There is also a youth version of the survey and report available for ages 8–17.
Alternatively, if you feel that you would like to do that at another time, the activity below provides a set of statements to help you to identify some of your main character strengths (Rashid & Seligman2018).
Identifying character strengths
Read the statements below and write Yes next to any of the statements that resonate strongly with you.
| Description | Write Yes for your signature strength | Character strength identified |
| I am good at thinking of new and better ways of doing things. | Creativity | |
| I love to explore things, ask questions, and am open to different experiences and activities. | Curiosity | |
| I am flexible and open-minded – I think through and examine all sides before deciding. | Judgement (open-mindedness) | |
| I love to learn new ideas, concepts, and facts when working, studying or on my own. | Love of learning | |
| Friends consult with me on important matters, as they consider me to be wise beyond my age. | Perspective | |
| I do not give up in the face of hardship or challenge, even when I am afraid. | Bravery | |
| I finish most things, even if I get distracted – I am able to refocus and finish the task. | Persistence | |
| I consider myself to be a genuine and honest person, known to be trustworthy. I act consistently with my values. | Honesty (integrity) | |
| I am energetic, cheerful, and full of life | Zest (vitality) | |
| Showing and receiving genuine love and affection come naturally to me. | Love | |
| I love to do kind acts for others, often without being asked. | Kindness | |
| I manage myself well in social situations and am known to have good people skills. | Social intelligence | |
| I am an active community or team member, and I contribute to the success of my group. | Teamwork | |
| I stand up for others when they are treated unfairly, bullied, or ridiculed. | Fairness | |
| Others often choose me as a leader as I am known to lead well. | Leadership | |
| I do not hold grudges – I forgive those who offend me. | Forgiveness | |
| I don’t like to be the centre of attention and prefer others to shine. | Humility | |
| I am careful and cautious – I can anticipate any risks and problems of my actions and respond accordingly. | Prudence | |
| I manage my feelings and behaviours even in challenging situations – I generally follow rules and routines. | Self-regulation | |
| I am moved deeply by beauty in nature, in art (e.g., painting, music, theatre) and/or excellence in many fields of life. | Appreciation of beauty and excellence | |
| I express thankfulness for good things through words and actions. | Gratitude | |
| I hope and believe that more good things will happen than bad ones. | Hope | |
| I am playful and funny, and I use humour to connect with others. | Humour | |
| I believe in a higher power and participate in religious or spiritual practices (e.g., prayer, mediation) willingly. | Spirituality |
Take a note of your top five signature strengths from the activity above. Perhaps your top five map onto a particular virtue? You can check this by using the interactive diagram below
Using your signature strengths
Click on the strengths in the interactive diagram below to see some examples of how you can use your signature strengths in your life. Choose one of your strengths and make a plan to use one of the suggestions in your life over the next 24 hours.
A downloadable PDF version of the interactive is available for accessibility or if the interactive doesn't play in your browser.
Continue to work through the suggestions for each of your signature strengths over the course of the week. At the end of each day reflect on how you found the exercise. Was it useful to you? Do you think you will do it again? Consider using a notepad to write down your thoughts.
2.1 What are character strengths and how can they help you and your family?