Happiness and wellbeing can be linked to the way in which we are able to display and use our core strengths and virtues in all facets of life. 

Do you remember the talkative kid at school or the very studious person in the corner? If  they went through life and continued to display and recognise these as their strengths, their chosen life paths and careers may have been based on what they knew they were good at. 

The talkative child could have chosen to work in a field where speaking (the gift of the gab) is necessary, from being a comedian, a lecturer, a newsreader, salesperson to a motivational speaker. 

The studious person could have gone on to become a doctor, a solicitor, a writer or anything else requiring the studious mind - something where they continued to learn and thrive in absorbing and gaining knowledge. 

Once we know what our strengths are and where and how to tap into them, we can use them to live a life with full potential and thrive. 

Think back to a time when you did a really good job or achieved a goal which you really felt proud of and knww that you had your best game on. Chances are you were operating using your strengths, everything was and felt right and the result was a great achievements and joy. These strengths were at work and something you may not see as a strength was helping you gain your achievements. 

“Using you signature strengths every day in the main realms of your life to bring abundant gratification and authentic happiness” Martin Seligman

Common strengths & virtues

In his book, Authentic Happiness, Martin Seligman refers to a core set of universal virtues:

·     Wisdom and Knowledge

·     Courage

·     Love & Humanity

·     Justice

·     Temperance

·     Spirituality and transcendence

These are supported by 24-character strengths. One great way to find out more about your strengths & virtues is to take an assessment created by the Authentic Happiness team. When I did this test, it showcased my strengths and I can recognise when I have displayed them, I felt more content and positive about what I was doing at the time.

People like Martin Luther King or Gandhi used their strengths and virtues to create a world they and others wanted and desired. They used their strengths to gain support and made speeches which still impact the world today.

In my opinion, schools, educational institutions and parents can support their children to cultivate their strengths and virtues and to give them the choices and options to try many things. 

Building your strengths

Research and studies have found that when we do live life aligned to our strengths, it can have a direct impact on our sense of happiness. 

A life coach once told me, if we focus on what we are good at and continue to build upon these strengths, then we can achieve the goals we so desire. 

“In fact, research indicates that one of the best ways to boost your long-term happiness is to use your strengths in new ways and situations, rather than focusing on your weaknesses.  For instance, a 2010 study of college students found that individuals who used their signature strengths made more progress in reaching their goals (and improving their well-being) (1).  In addition, a seminal study in 2004 found that certain character strengths, including hope, zest, gratitude, love, and curiosity, show a stronger link to life satisfaction (2).” (http://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/strengths-and-virtues/)

How can you build upon your strengths? Start by gaining an awareness of them and learn how you can use them in life to a greater extent. Assess how you want to use them to achieve goals, live the life you want to live and how even if your career doesn’t make full use of them, how can you integrate them in everyday life.

A coach can work with you to identify and assess where you are today, highlight your strengths to help you create goals and work towards them. 

Monica is the CEO & Founder of Our Stillness.