Strengths are personal characteristics that allow us to perform well or at our personal best. But, it's not enough just to know what our strengths are, we have to put them into practice. When we use our strengths we are usually energised and feel at our best. We find ourselves drawn to using them in different areas of our lives for example at work, at home and our during our leisure activities. They are areas where we learn fast and often (but not always) others will recognise them in us too.
Psychologists in the US found that people who tried using their strengths in new ways each day for a week were happier and less depressed six months later. [1] Another study in the UK recently showed that people who felt they were using their strengths have more positive emotion, greater vitality and self-esteem, compared with people who did not feel they used theirs. [2]
Using your strengths doesn't mean ignoring our weaker areas, but it's a question of emphasis. Positive psychology argues that if we focus on developing and using more of our strengths it will help us to get the best from ourselves and feel happier. Of course we need to manage our weaker areas, especially those that are holding us back, but often we don't need to be brilliant at these, good enough is usually good enough.
Ed Diener, Ph.D., ("Dr. Happy"), speaking to his research on happiness that spans over three decades. He discusses the link of "reverse causality" between positive emotions and positive character. For more information visit http://viapros.org/www/
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