What happens when we focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses?
This is one of the foundational questions in positive psychology. Positive psychology looks at resources, health and well-being rather than traditional psychology’s focus on weaknesses and mental disorders. This part of psychology studies what gives us happy and meaningful lives.
In the early 2000s, Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman led several researchers in a project over 3 years. The aim of the project was to find out which traits people universally and throughout history have regarded as positive. The work resulted in a classification of 24 character strengths, grouped into six “virtues”. These 24 strengths are valued and understood across cultures.
At the VIA Institute on Character you can take a survey related to the classification. VIA Institute on Character It has been taken over by over 8 million people from every country in the world. You then get a strength profile, where your best strengths (signature strengths) are at the top.
Why are strengths important?
Well, because research shows that when people identify and develop their strengths, this has a number of positive effects, including increased well-being, commitment, achievements and strengthened relationships.
A number of methods have been developed based on this. Common to these methods, often called strength-based approaches, is that they’re based on the principle that we all have the strengths, resources, and ability to overcome adversity.
Strength-based approaches tend to be based on the following 9 principles 4 :
- We all have potential, strengths and skills that, rather than weaknesses and limitations, determine our future.
- What we focus on tends to grow. Focus on strengths rather than labels.
- The language we use means something - It helps create our reality.
- All people have a deep-seated desire to develop and create positive change both in themselves and in the people around them.
- Positive development occurs in authentic conversations and relationships. Therefore, be as authentic as possible in your support of others.
- It is the person him or herself who is the expert in his or her own life.
- When dreaming and looking toward (an unknown) future, it is valuable to start with what you already know.
- Development of one's character can be done in many ways and is a dynamic and lifelong process.
- Positive development requires collaboration, inclusion and participation. It is important to appreciate differences and diversity.
Since we started mentoring programs, Catalysts has been working to promote the strengths of our participants. We see that a focus on strengths creates energy and a sense of accomplishment which in turn creates well-being 5. Using your strengths is meaningful and engaging, and it provides motivation and increases the belief that you can achieve the goals you set.
