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Personal strengths: a list with real examples

Updated

A widely used list of personal strengths is the 24 character strengths classified by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman in 2004, grouped under six virtues. Below, each one with what it looks like in everyday life.

The 24 character strengths, with an everyday example
StrengthWhat it looks like
CreativityYou find a new way when the usual one fails
CuriosityYou ask questions until you understand
Judgment (open-mindedness)You look at all sides before you decide
Love of learningYou pick up new skills for fun
PerspectiveFriends ask your advice on big decisions
BraveryYou speak up when it's uncomfortable
PerseveranceYou finish what you start
HonestyYou say what's true and own it
ZestYou bring energy into a room
LoveYou keep close relationships close
KindnessYou do favors nobody asked for
Social intelligenceYou sense how people feel and adjust
TeamworkYou do your part, and a bit more
FairnessYou give everyone the same chance
LeadershipYou organize the trip, and it happens
ForgivenessYou give second chances
HumilityYou let your work speak
PrudenceYou think before you say or do
Self-regulationYou stick to the plan when it's tempting not to
Appreciation of beautyYou stop to look at a sunset or a well-made thing
GratitudeYou notice the good and say thank you
HopeYou expect the best and work for it
HumorYou make people laugh, even on hard days
SpiritualityYou have a sense of meaning that guides you

The names follow the VIA Institute's current list; older lists used a few other names (open-mindedness, authenticity, persistence, modesty, religiousness). The six virtues and their strengths: the 24 VIA character strengths.

How to find which ones are yours

  1. Pick your own top five from the list.
  2. Ask three to five friends to pick two for you, with one moment that shows each.
  3. Keep the strengths that come back, in their list and yours.

Why both: the people who know you judge some strengths, like intelligence and creativity, better than you do (Vazire, 2010).

Add a friend's first name and get a link to text them. Each friend shares a moment, no app or sign-up. You see the strengths that come back. Free.

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Questions

What are personal strengths?

Positive qualities you use often and well, like kindness, curiosity or perseverance. A widely used list is the 24 character strengths of Peterson and Seligman (2004).

What are examples of personal strengths?

Creativity, curiosity, honesty, kindness, fairness, leadership, gratitude and humor are all on the list of 24 character strengths, each visible in everyday moments.

How many character strengths are there?

24, grouped under six virtues: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance and transcendence.

Sources