Character Strengths

         

          So for this class I am currently taking, Positive Psychology, I had to take a character assessment that would show me my character strengths.  I must say I am a bit disappointed in my results.  It said my top quality was judgment, followed by prudence, then honesty, and forth perseverance.  How boring am I???  I guess it is a result of being old LOL I have learned to not jump to conclusions, and avoid unnecessary risks.  I made HUGE mistakes when I was in my early twenties, a lot of them I would love to change, but if I did change them I wouldn’t be where I am today.  I have imagined what would have happened if I just did one thing different, and the results would have had a domino effect on my life.  As much as I had to go through horrible times (won’t bore you with details) I could not change anything for fear of losing my kids. I can pinpoint the one event that if altered would have changed my whole life.  No idea if it would have been better, but it would not have my kids in it.  Maybe other kids, but not the ones I have now, and I would never in any life not want them.  Being a mom has forced me to use good judgment and avoid risks if possible.  My kids rely on me to take care of them, and they expect me to be there for them.  I love them, so I am there.  It does lead to me being sad that my hope is the very last thing on my results analysis.  Also way down on the bottom are love and a zest for life.  I wanted to type that I regret the loss of my youth, and wish I had found love, but like I said it would have altered my life in ways that would have cost me Staci.  So she is stuck with being my companion when I am old LOL This was not the post I thought I was going to write.  It changed on me LOL So for all you who peeped at this the take-away is life choices define who you are, so choose wisely.  If any others want to take the assessment it can be found here:  VIA Institute on Character.  My full list of strengths is below if curious.

1 Judgment

Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one's mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly.

2 Prudence

Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.

3 Honesty

Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one's feelings and actions.

4 Perseverance

Finishing what one starts; persevering in a course of action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks.

5 Spirituality

Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort.

6 Perspective

Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others.

7 Forgiveness

Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting others’ shortcomings; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful.

8 Humility

Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.

9 Fairness

Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance.

10 Creativity

Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it.

11 Social intelligence

Being aware of the motives/feelings of others and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.

12 Leadership

Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen.

13 Teamwork

Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share.

14 Love of learning

Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one's own or formally; related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows.

15 Self-Regulation

Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one's appetites and emotions.

16 Humor

Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes.

17 Kindness

Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.

18 Gratitude

Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.

19 Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence

Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

20 Bravery

Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what’s right even if there’s opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it.

21 Love

Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing & caring are reciprocated; being close to people.

22 Zest

Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated.

23 Curiosity

Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering.

24 Hope

Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about.