How Happy Are You?
A very tricky question to say the least. We all wonder how to reach a strong level of happiness. Happiness is a journey and requires work and a fair amount of understanding oneself.
In this article we decided to list the 24 character strengths and virtues we all have at different degrees, depending on our personality and perspective on life.
You could use online surveys to understand where you stand, reflect and work on the ones that require more work, in order to perhaps make you happier.
1. Love
Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing & caring are reciprocated; being close to people.
2. Kindness
Doing favours and good deeds for others, helping them and taking care of them.
3. Social intelligence
Being aware of the motives/feelings of others and oneself, knowing what to do to fit into different social situations and knowing what makes other people tick.
4. 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.
5. 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, organising group activities and seeing that they happen.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Perspective
Being able to provide wise counsel to others, having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others.
9. Hope
Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it, believing that a good future is something that can be brought about.
10. Curiosity
Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake, finding subjects and topics fascinating, exploring and discovering.
11. Creativity
Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualise and do things, includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it.
12. Fairness
Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice, not letting feelings bias decisions about others and giving everyone a fair chance.
13. 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.
14. Gratitude
Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen, taking time to express thankfulness.
15. Teamwork
Working well as a member of a group or team, being loyal to the group and doing one’s share.
16. Zest
Approaching life with excitement and energy, not doing things halfway or halfheartedly. Living life as an adventure, feeling alive and activated.
17. Humor
Liking to laugh and tease, bringing smiles to other people, seeing the light side and making (not necessarily telling) jokes.
18. 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.
19. Judgment
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides, not jumping to conclusions and being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence, weighing all evidence fairly.
20. Humility
Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves, not regarding oneself as more special than one is.
21. Prudence
Being careful about one’s choices, not taking undue risks, not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.
22. Forgiveness
Forgiving those who have done wrong, accepting others’ shortcomings and giving people a second chance, not being vengeful.
23. 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.
24. Self-Regulation
Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined, controlling one’s appetites and emotions.
Realising your strongest and weakest strengths can only make you reflect on what needs changing, or improving for a happier life.
“Happiness is an inside job” – William Arthur Ward