You Have ADD: Do You Know Your Strengths?
In my previous post, It Could Be Easier, I suggested reasons for operating in your areas of strengths.
The first step toward using our strengths is being aware ofwhat they are currently.
If you are interested in exploring your character strengths, The VIA Survey of Characteris a great place to start.
When I took the survey I already knew I was strong in the areas that were in my top five. These strengths help me to excel at being an ADD Coach.
Your Top Character Strength: Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
Your Second Character Strength: Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
Your Third Character Strength: Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Your Fourth Character Strength: Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
Your Fifth Character Strength:Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.
Lately, though, I have been thinking a lot about how I want to practice being more authentic and forgiving. So, it was not surprising that these two traits were ranked #19 and #20. The results helped reinforce what I already knew.
Character Strength #19: Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.
Character Strength #20: Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.
While I was not surprised, I was disappointed! I brooded about the results for a couple of days.
Then I realized that I had a choice. Since strengths are not fixed,I could choose to build these strengths. Now I’m excited for the journey, as I consider how to become more authentic and forgiving. After all, we all have room to grow.
I guess writing this post could be part of my path to becoming more authentic…
Having an understanding of what your strengths are nowwill help you make choices, too.
Let me know what you think after you take the survey.
Photo Credit: Some rights reserved by jonclegg
