VIA Character Strengths & Survey: 31 Ways to Spot Strengths

Strengths are an integral part of our personality that define who we are and how we interact with the world around us. Identifying and recognizing our strengths can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life. The VIA (Values in Action) Character Strengths and Survey is a tool that can help individuals discover their unique strengths and use them to thrive in various aspects of their lives.

The VIA Character Strengths and Survey is a comprehensive assessment that measures 24 character strengths that contribute to a fulfilling and meaningful life. These strengths are classified into six broad categories: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence. Some examples of character strengths include creativity, curiosity, bravery, kindness, fairness, self-regulation, and gratitude.

The VIA survey consists of 240 questions that are designed to measure an individual’s level of these character strengths. Based on the responses to the survey, individuals receive a ranked list of their top character strengths, with a detailed description of each strength and suggestions on how to cultivate and leverage them in everyday life.

Here are 31 ways to spot strengths in yourself and others using the VIA Character Strengths and Survey:

1. Take the VIA survey to identify your top character strengths.
2. Reflect on past experiences where you have demonstrated these strengths.
3. Ask friends and family to share their observations of your strengths.
4. Notice patterns in your behavior that align with your top strengths.
5. Keep a journal of situations where you felt most alive and engaged.
6. Set goals that align with your strengths to increase motivation and satisfaction.
7. Celebrate small victories that showcase your strengths.
8. Practice mindfulness to enhance self-awareness of your strengths.
9. Engage in activities that allow you to use your strengths regularly.
10. Seek feedback from others on how you can further develop your strengths.
11. Use your strengths to overcome challenges and obstacles.
12. Share your strengths with others to inspire and motivate them.
13. Be open to learning and growing by exploring new strengths.
14. Find ways to incorporate your strengths into your daily routines.
15. Connect with others who share similar strengths to build a supportive community.
16. Embrace your strengths as part of your identity and authenticity.
17. Use your strengths to contribute positively to your workplace or community.
18. Express gratitude for the strengths you possess and the opportunities they provide.
19. Practice self-compassion and forgiveness when faced with limitations or setbacks.
20. Develop a growth mindset to view challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
21. Encourage others to recognize and utilize their own strengths.
22. Provide feedback and recognition to others based on their strengths.
23. Foster a strengths-based culture in your team or organization.
24. Create a strengths-based development plan to enhance personal and professional growth.
25. Use your strengths to nurture relationships and build meaningful connections.
26. Use your strengths to lead and empower others.
27. Mentor and coach others to discover and develop their strengths.
28. Advocate for strengths-based approaches in education, healthcare, and social services.
29. Share success stories of individuals who have used their strengths to overcome adversity.
30. Spread awareness of the benefits of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses.
31. Embrace a strengths-based mindset in all aspects of your life to create a more positive and fulfilling future.

By recognizing and leveraging our character strengths, we can cultivate a greater sense of purpose, resilience, and fulfillment in our lives. The VIA Character Strengths and Survey offers a powerful framework for understanding and harnessing our unique strengths to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Take the time to explore your strengths, celebrate them, and use them to thrive in all aspects of your life.