The final happiness practice I will share is called Signature Strengths. No two people are the same, and their strengths differ. Whereas sometimes we may be focused on areas where we feel we need to improve, Positive Psychology experts encourage us to lean in more fully to the areas where we are already strong — and build upon it, perhaps infusing some play, creativity, and innovation. New habits can be difficult to start, but simply choosing one of these practices to try on a consistent basis could be a profound investment in one’s own happiness and peace. Difficult life events like the pandemic can put things in perspective for all of us, and my hope is that we are all learning, one practice at a time, how to finally put our oxygen masks on first.
Instructions: Identify your top 3-5 signature strengths from the below list. For a week, choose one of your signature strengths daily and try to use it in a new way.
24 Signature Strengths Examples (Peterson & Seligman)
Appreciation of Beauty – Appreciating beauty or excellence in various domains of life
Spirituality – Drawing strength from a higher purpose, or greater meaning in life
Gratitude – Being aware of, and thankful for, the good things that happen around us
Hope—Expecting the best to happen in the future, and working to attain it
Humor—finding joy in laughter, and bringing such joy to others
Forgiveness – being able to forgive others, and grant second chances
Humility and Modesty – allowing one’s accomplishments to speak for themselves
Prudence – not taking unnecessary risks; not doing things that might later be regretted
Self-Regulation – regulating what one feels and does; being able to manage and control one’s emotions
Citizenship – working well as a member of a group or team
Fairness – treating others equally well
Leadership – helping others reach greater heights
Love – valuing close relationships with others
Kindness – doing good deeds and favors for others
Social Intelligence – having awareness of others’ feelings and internal processes
Bravery – not shrinking from threat or challenges
Persistence – finishing what one starts; not giving up easily
Integrity – valuing genuineness; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions
Vitality – approaching life with excitement and energy
Creativity – thinking of novel ways to do things
Curiosity – being interested in experience for its own sake
Open-Mindedness – examining things from all sides
Love of Learning – mastering new skills, topics, bodies of knowledge
Perspective – providing wise counsel to others
