What if the key to success wasn’t fixing your weaknesses, but activating your superpowers? Discover your unique character strengths today.
For decades, self-improvement has focused on identifying and fixing what’s wrong with us. But what if there’s a more powerful, positive, and effective path to success and well-being? This guide introduces a radical shift in perspective: stop focusing on your weaknesses and start activating your character strengths. Based on the science of positive psychology, these strengths are the core of who you are—your inner “superpowers.” Here, you will learn how to scientifically identify your unique strengths and, more importantly, how to apply them consciously to build a more authentic, engaged, and fulfilling life.
The Science of Your Strengths: Understanding the VIA Classification
The concept of personal “superpowers” is grounded in solid scientific research. Specifically, the foundation of this field is the “Character Strengths and Virtues” handbook, a landmark work by Dr. Christopher Peterson and Dr. Martin Seligman. Their research identified a classification of 24 specific, measurable character strengths that cultures universally value. Furthermore, these strengths are the ingredients of a flourishing life.
The Virtues and Strengths Framework
This framework rests on a two-tier structure: six broad, universal virtues, and the 24 specific strengths that act as pathways to those virtues.
The 6 Universal Virtues & 24 Character Strengths
The following table, inspired by the VIA Institute’s classification, outlines this powerful framework. (Note: This table is designed to be converted into an attractive infographic).
- Wisdom: Creativity, Curiosity, Judgment, Love of Learning, Perspective.
- Courage: Bravery, Perseverance, Honesty, Zest.
- Humanity: Love, Kindness, Social Intelligence.
- Justice: Teamwork, Fairness, Leadership.
- Temperance: Forgiveness, Humility, Prudence, Self-Regulation.
- Transcendence: Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence, Gratitude, Hope, Humor, Spirituality.
Discovering Your Superpowers: How to Identify Your Signature Strengths
The first step in this journey is self-discovery. Therefore, the best tool for this is the VIA Inventory of Strengths (the VIA Survey), the world’s only scientifically validated test of character strengths. The VIA Institute on Character developed this survey, which is free, available in over 40 languages, and takes only 10-15 minutes to complete. Consequently, we highly recommend you take the test now to get your personalized profile.
Take the Free, Official VIA Character Strengths Survey Here
Understanding Your Results: The 3 “E’s” of Signature Strengths
Your test results will rank all 24 strengths. Your top 5-7 strengths are typically your Signature Strengths—the ones that are most core to who you are. According to researchers, three key feelings (The 3 E’s) define these signature strengths:
- Essential: They feel like a core part of your identity.
- Effortless: Using them feels natural and easy.
- Energizing: You feel invigorated and authentic when you use them, not drained.
Connect Strengths to Values:
Your strengths are expressions of your deepest values. Explore them further with our Interactive Values Compass.
Activating Your Strengths: A Practical Guide to Application
Knowing your strengths is only the beginning. However, the real benefits come from applying them consciously in your daily life. A highly effective exercise from positive psychology is to “use your signature strengths in new ways.” Indeed, research has shown that this exercise increases happiness and reduces depression long-term.
The “Use Strengths in New Ways” Exercise
The process is simple: Pick one of your top Signature Strengths and brainstorm a new way to express it each day for a week. For example, if your strength is “Curiosity,” your week might look like this:
A 7-Day Example: Activating Curiosity
- Monday: Take a different route home from work and explore your surroundings.
- Tuesday: Ask a colleague a question you’ve never asked them before.
- Wednesday: Try a new type of food for lunch that you’ve been curious about.
To help you with this exercise, you can also download our “My Power Activation Plan” worksheet.
The Ripple Effect: How Using Your Strengths Transforms Your Life
When you consistently activate your character strengths, you create a positive upward spiral in your life. For instance, research shows that using your strengths is linked to greater happiness, increased well-being, and a deeper sense of meaning and authenticity. They also act as a powerful psychological buffer. In other words, by focusing on what’s strong within you, you enhance your ability to cope with adversity, a key component for building your psychological resilience.
Conclusion: Your Superpowers Await
In conclusion, the path to a more fulfilling life isn’t about eradicating your flaws. Instead, it’s about discovering, embracing, and actively using your unique character strengths. You now have a scientific framework and a practical plan to begin this journey. Thus, by taking the VIA Survey and consciously applying your strengths in new ways, you can unlock a more authentic and powerful version of yourself.
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