Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

What You Will Learn

• What “character strengths” really are and how they differ from talents or skills

• The science behind the VIA Classification and how it was developed

• Why knowing and using your character strengths boosts well-being, resilience, and performance

• How to identify and apply your top strengths in daily life and work

• Simple, research-based ways to cultivate strengths in yourself and others

Introduction: The Missing Ingredient in Personal Growth

Most people want to be happier, more confident, and more fulfilled—but often look in the wrong places. We chase productivity hacks, external rewards, or self-help formulas that promise transformation. Yet, the real foundation of flourishing may already lie within us: our character strengths.

These inner capacities—such as curiosity, gratitude, fairness, or perseverance—are not about what we can do, but about who we are at our best. Research from positive psychology shows that when people recognize and use their character strengths intentionally, they experience greater engagement, meaning, and satisfaction in life (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

In this article, we’ll explore what character strengths really mean, where they come from, and why they might matter far more than you think.

1. The Birth of Character Strengths: A Science of What’s Right with People

In the early 2000s, psychologists Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman launched a groundbreaking project to classify the positive qualities that make life worth living. Their goal was ambitious: to create a “manual of the sanities,” a positive counterpart to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which catalogues psychological problems.

After years of cross-cultural research and philosophical review, they identified 24 universal character strengths organized under six core virtues—wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

These strengths showed up consistently across time, culture, and belief systems—from Aristotle’s ethics to Buddhist teachings to Native American wisdom—suggesting that they form a shared moral language of humankind.

2. The VIA Classification: A Common Language for Strengths

The result of this effort was the VIA Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues, developed under the non-profit VIA Institute on Character. “VIA” stands for “Values in Action,” reflecting the idea that character is not static—it’s revealed through behavior.

The 24 strengths include qualities such as:

• Wisdom and Knowledge: creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective

• Courage: bravery, honesty, perseverance, zest

• Humanity: kindness, love, social intelligence

• Justice: fairness, leadership, teamwork

• Temperance: forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation

• Transcendence: appreciation of beauty, gratitude, hope, humor, spirituality

Every person possesses all 24 strengths in different degrees, forming a unique “strengths profile.” The VIA Survey, a free online self-assessment used by over 15 million people worldwide, helps individuals identify their signature strengths—those that feel most authentic, energizing, and essential to who they are.

3. Character Strengths vs. Talents, Skills, and Traits

It’s easy to confuse character strengths with talents or personality traits, but they’re not the same thing.

• Talents are innate abilities, often performance-based (e.g., musical or athletic talent).

• Skills are learned competencies that can be improved through practice.

• Personality traits describe broad behavioral tendencies (e.g., extraversion).

Character strengths, by contrast, are moral and psychological capacities that reflect how we use our talents and skills—for good. They involve choices, intentions, and values. For instance, perseverance helps you continue practicing your musical talent, and kindness shapes how you use your communication skills.

In other words, character strengths are the “how” and the “why” behind human excellence.

4. Why Character Strengths Matter More Than You Think

4.1 They Build Lasting Well-Being

Research consistently shows that people who know and use their character strengths report higher levels of happiness, vitality, and life satisfaction (Seligman et al., 2005; Proyer et al., 2013). Using strengths isn’t just about feeling good—it’s about doing good and living in alignment with your values.

For example, studies found that simply identifying and using one’s top five strengths in new ways for a week led to sustained increases in happiness and reductions in depression for up to six months (Seligman, Steen, Park, & Peterson, 2005).

4.2 They Boost Resilience and Recovery

Character strengths act as psychological buffers in hard times. Qualities such as hope, perseverance, and gratitude can help people recover faster from adversity and trauma.

In resilience training programs like the Penn Resilience Program, participants who practiced identifying and applying their strengths showed improved coping, optimism, and problem-solving skills (Reivich & Shatté, 2002).

Strengths such as curiosity and love of learning encourage flexible thinking, while humor and gratitude foster emotional balance and perspective during stress.

4.3 They Strengthen Relationships

Strengths are inherently social. Using strengths like kindness, fairness, and social intelligence helps people connect more authentically and empathetically.

Couples who recognize and appreciate each other’s strengths report higher relationship satisfaction (Niemiec, 2013). In teams, recognizing strengths fosters mutual respect and psychological safety—critical foundations for trust and collaboration.

4.4 They Drive Engagement and Performance

Workplaces that encourage strengths use are not only happier but also more productive. Gallup research shows that employees who use their strengths daily are six times more likely to be engaged at work (Clifton & Harter, 2003).

Character strengths like perseverance, honesty, and zest are linked to better job performance, while teamwork, leadership, and fairness enhance group cohesion. Leaders who use their own strengths authentically inspire others to do the same, creating ripple effects of engagement and motivation.

5. How to Identify Your Character Strengths

The most widely used tool is the VIA Character Strengths Survey, available at viacharacter.org. It takes about 15 minutes to complete and provides a personalized rank order of your 24 strengths.

Your top five are your signature strengths—the ones you express most naturally and that give you energy when used. They often feel like “you at your best.”

But your middle strengths and even your lesser strengths also matter. The goal is not to ignore the lower ones, but to understand when and how to use each strength wisely, depending on the situation.

6. Applying Your Strengths: From Awareness to Action

Knowing your strengths is only the first step. The real power lies in applying them intentionally in everyday life. Here are evidence-based practices to get started:

6.1 Use Strengths in New Ways

A classic exercise from positive psychology is to use one of your top strengths in a new and different way every day for a week. This boosts both happiness and engagement (Seligman et al., 2005).
Example: If one of your strengths is kindness, find a fresh way to express it—send an encouraging message to someone you rarely talk to, or volunteer your time.

6.2 Spot Strengths in Others

Strengths spotting involves recognizing and naming the strengths you see in people around you. This builds positive relationships and strengthens teams.
Try saying, “I noticed your perseverance in finishing that project,” or “Your fairness really helped the group reach consensus.”

6.3 Balance Your Strengths

Overusing or underusing a strength can create problems. For instance, too much honesty can become bluntness, while too little can lead to avoidance. Learning to use each strength in balance helps you adapt to context and maintain harmony.

6.4 Align Strengths with Goals

Integrating strengths into your goals increases commitment and follow-through. For example, if your goal is to exercise more, use your zest to bring enthusiasm or your self-regulation to plan routines.

6.5 Create a Strengths-Based Environment

Whether at home, school, or work, environments that recognize and encourage strengths foster growth. Strengths boards, group discussions, and feedback rituals can all help make strengths visible and valued.

7. The Deeper Meaning of Strengths: Virtue in Action

Peterson and Seligman (2004) emphasized that character strengths are the pathways to virtue—they are the psychological ingredients that make virtues visible. For instance:

• Wisdom becomes visible through curiosity and love of learning.

• Courage shines through perseverance and honesty.

• Humanity comes alive through kindness and social intelligence.

Thus, strengths are not just personality features but moral expressions that connect us to something greater—our purpose, our relationships, and our communities.

As philosopher Aristotle wrote, “Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Character strengths are those habits of mind and heart that, practiced consistently, help us lead good lives.

8. Common Misconceptions About Character Strengths

“Strengths are just positive thinking.”

Not quite. Strengths are not about denying weaknesses but about leveraging what works. They provide a solid foundation for growth while still allowing for self-improvement.

“Everyone’s top strengths should look the same.”

Actually, diversity in strengths makes communities and teams more resilient. A balance of fairness, creativity, and prudence, for example, ensures better group decisions.

“Strengths don’t change.”

While your core signature strengths are relatively stable, how you express them evolves with context, culture, and life stage.

“Focusing on strengths means ignoring weaknesses.”

A strengths approach doesn’t erase weaknesses—it reframes them. It asks, “Which of my strengths can help me manage this weakness?”

9. Character Strengths Across Cultures and Faiths

One of the most remarkable aspects of the VIA framework is its cross-cultural universality. Studies have replicated the 24 strengths structure in over 70 nations and multiple languages (McGrath, 2015).

Even though different cultures prioritize strengths differently—some valuing humility over creativity, for instance—the underlying virtues remain universal. This suggests that character strengths are a common moral grammar linking humanity beyond borders or beliefs.

10. Teaching and Cultivating Strengths in Others

Character strengths education has become a cornerstone of positive education—an approach that integrates academic learning with well-being and moral development.

Schools using strengths-based curricula, such as Geelong Grammar School in Australia, report improved student engagement, classroom behavior, and resilience (Norrish et al., 2013).

In families, identifying and celebrating each member’s strengths builds respect and belonging. In workplaces, leaders who focus on strengths improve morale and reduce turnover.

In therapy and coaching, strengths provide a language of possibility—a way to help clients build on what’s right rather than only fix what’s wrong.

11. Strengths and Well-Being: The PERMA Connection

Martin Seligman’s PERMA model (Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement) offers a roadmap for flourishing—and character strengths are woven through every pillar:

• Positive Emotion: gratitude and humor amplify joy.

• Engagement: curiosity and zest promote flow.

• Relationships: kindness and love deepen connection.

• Meaning: spirituality and hope give purpose.

• Achievement: perseverance and self-regulation drive success.

Thus, strengths are not just tools for happiness; they are the engine that powers a flourishing life.

12. Living Your Strengths: A Practical Reflection

To make strengths a living part of your day, ask yourself:

• Which strength energized me most today?

• Which one did I neglect?

• How can I use one strength to overcome a current challenge?

• Who around me could benefit if I used my strengths more consciously?

Small acts of awareness, repeated daily, build habits of strength that ripple through every part of life.

Conclusion: Becoming the Best Version of You

Character strengths are more than nice words or personality labels—they are the DNA of human goodness, the building blocks of resilience, and the quiet drivers of meaning.

When you know your strengths, you see yourself more clearly. When you use them, you live more fully. And when you help others see theirs, you contribute to a stronger, kinder world.

As psychologist Ryan Niemiec (2018) puts it: “Character strengths are pathways, not destinations. They show us how to walk through life with authenticity, compassion, and courage.”

So, if you’ve been searching for a deeper kind of growth, start not by changing who you are—but by discovering and cultivating the best parts already within you.

References

• Clifton, D. O., & Harter, J. K. (2003). Investing in Strengths. In K. S. Cameron, J. E. Dutton, & R. E. Quinn (Eds.), Positive Organizational Scholarship. Berrett-Koehler.

• McGrath, R. E. (2015). Integrating Psychological and Cultural Perspectives on Virtue: The Hierarchical Structure of Character Strengths. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 10(5), 407–424.

• Niemiec, R. M. (2013). VIA Character Strengths: Research and Practice (The First 10 Years). Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 294.

• Niemiec, R. M. (2018). Character Strengths Interventions: A Field Guide for Practitioners. Hogrefe Publishing.

• Norrish, J. M., Williams, P., O’Connor, M., & Robinson, J. (2013). An Applied Framework for Positive Education. International Journal of Wellbeing, 3(2), 147–161.

• Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Oxford University Press.

• Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Wellenzohn, S., & Ruch, W. (2013). What Good are Character Strengths Beyond Subjective Well-Being? Journal of Positive Psychology, 8(6), 556–567.

• Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles. Broadway Books.

• Seligman, M. E. P., Steen, T. A., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2005). Positive Psychology Progress: Empirical Validation of Interventions. American Psychologist, 60(5), 410–421.