Discover Your 24 Character Strengths and Learn How to Use Them

Positive psychology has identified 24 character strengths. Learn how recognizing your unique strengths can improve your relationships and everyday life.

Most of us are usually quick to notice what we're not good at. "I lack determination." "I'm not brave enough." "I lack self-confidence." "I'm just not skilled enough."

We know our shortcomings and insecurities. We know things we would like to change. But how often do we stop and actually pay attention to the things that make us strong? How often do we give ourselves credit for things we're really good at?

I've met people who are honest, loyal friends. Those whom everyone can count on and turn to for support. I know many optimistic individuals who can always look at a situation from different angles. I know leaders who lead with empathy and humility. Everyone has their own unique qualities. But how often do you recognize the personal strengths that guide your decisions, relationships, and behavior in general? When I think about this, it seems we often forget that personal growth doesn't have to mean fixing something that's wrong. Sometimes it's about recognizing and building on what's already good in us.

This brings us to an interesting concept in positive psychology I recently learned about: the 24 character strengths.

What are the 24 Character Strengths?

Psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson identified 24 positive personality traits or character strengths. They organized them into six categories, known as virtues. The VIA Classification of Strengths offers a helpful way to understand the positive qualities we all possess and how to use them to become more resilient, build healthier relationships, and improve overall well-being.

The Six Virtues and 24 Character Strengths

1.     Wisdom and Knowledge

Creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, and perspective.

How do you recognize that this personal strength comes naturally? You enjoy learning new things. You have always been curious and able to look at the problem from different angles until you find a solution. You have the ability to think critically and come up with original solutions.

In real life: You're often chosen as a team leader at work because you consider different perspectives and come up with solutions no one else thought of.

2.     Courage

Bravery, perseverance, honesty, and zest.

Being courageous doesn't necessarily mean doing something dangerous. Sometimes courage is as simple as speaking up when something doesn't feel right or making an important change even when you're afraid.

In real life: You are considering leaving a job that makes you unhappy. You are having an uncomfortable conversation with someone you care about. This takes courage as well.

3. Humanity

Love, kindness, and social intelligence.

You are very empathetic and deeply care for others. People usually describe you as compassionate, supportive, and attentive to the feelings of those around you.

Real life: Your friends count on you when things become difficult because you selflessly offer support and compassion.

4. Justice

Teamwork, fairness, and leadership.

Whether it is family, relationships, or the workplace, you create an atmosphere of trust and respect because you are cooperative, fair, and a good listener.  

Real life: You handle conflicts effortlessly and calmly because you're always willing to consider the other person's perspective.

5. Temperance

Forgiveness, humility, prudence, and self-regulation.

These strengths help us manage our behavior and avoid acting impulsively.

Real life: Instead of immediately reacting when someone criticizes you, you take a moment to reflect. Perhaps the criticism is unfair. Perhaps there's something useful to learn from it. Either way, you don't allow your emotions to take control of the situation.

6. Transcendence

Appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, humor, and spirituality.

These qualities help us find enjoyment and meaning in life. You remain hopeful despite experiencing disappointment. You can find humor in a difficult situation. You have a strong sense of gratitude and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.

Real life: You're rushing through a busy train station when you suddenly stop and start laughing at the absurdity of the situation as you watch your train pull away without you.

How to Discover Your Personal Strengths

We all possess these personal strengths but not to the same degree: while some virtues may come naturally to us, others may need more practice. A good example is a person who is exceptionally kind and compassionate but finds it hard to stand up for themselves. Neither makes you a better or worse person. The goal is to become more aware of your strengths and learn how to use them to your advantage.

Now that you have become familiar with 24 character strengths, how do you discover yours?

Think of all those situations where you felt good about yourself; that can be a good place to start. This doesn't necessarily have to be a situation where you accomplished something extraordinary. It's more about subtle, everyday situations where you handled a difficult conversation well, stood for what you believe, stayed calm when everyone else was panicking, learned something new, or helped a friend.

Then, ask yourself:

What personal qualities helped me in these situations?

What are three positive qualities that describe me?

What comes naturally to me?

What do other people often compliment me on?

How do I usually respond when faced with a difficult situation?

Are there strengths I would like to develop further?

You can also complete the VIA Character Strengths Survey, a questionnaire developed to help individuals identify their personal strengths.

The results can offer some interesting insights, but remember that a questionnaire doesn't define who you are. Consider it a starting point for getting to know yourself better.

Individual Therapy Laval: A Simple Exercise to Practice Using Your Strengths

One interesting approach is to choose a character strength and try using it in a new way. For example, if honesty is one of your strengths, consider whether you're being honest with yourself about what you really want from your relationships or career. You may choose three character strengths that you identify with. Write them down. Then think of a recent situation in which you used each one. How did these strengths help you or someone else? Could you have used them differently? Are there situations where you tend to overlook them?

Try this exercise over the next week. You may be surprised by how frequently your strengths influence your decisions and behavior without you even realizing it.

Sara Perretta Therapy: Final Thoughts

We spend too much time predicting negative outcomes, dwelling on our flaws and mistakes, and focusing on what we need to change. At the same time, we often forget to appreciate all the things we are already doing well, all the qualities that helped us get where we are today.

It is important to identify your character strengths because it helps you see yourself from another perspective. It boosts your confidence and self-compassion. But developing greater self-awareness takes time and practice. Some strengths come naturally, while others take more effort. That's perfectly normal.

Remember, the idea isn't to become perfect or to possess every strength in equal measure. In Sara Perretta therapy, we work on getting to know yourself better and using your positive qualities to create a more satisfying and meaningful life.

If you're struggling with self-confidence, relationships, or finding direction in your life, individual therapy can also help you explore your strengths and better understand yourself.