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In this episode we will be talking about making changes within the ARIA framework by activating the 6 virtues and 24 character strengths that lead to a flourishing life. By integrating change theory, along with the universal character strengths and virtues, you can express the best version of yourself at any given moment. At the end of this episode be sure to take the free online self assessment to obtain a free, personalized, in-depth analysis of your character strengths, so you can use them within the 4 Stages of Change.
Here is a quick look at the history of virtues and character strengths, that are commonly used today in the fields of philosophy, positive psychology, counseling and coaching. The study and application of Virtues and character strengths for self improvement began with the Greek philosophers, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics.
They asserted that by knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and intention to follow a virtuous path would would lead to happiness. This is the good life, or eudaimonia, what positive psychology now refers to as flourishing.
Positive Psychology has furthered our understanding of flourishing, through the scientific study of the human strengths and virtues, by determining what combination of strengths lead to optimal human functioning. The research has focused on studying character strengths, resilience, mindsets, positive emotions and meaning in life, as well as factors that influence both motivation and potential.
So What is a Virtue?
A virtue is seen as a natural quality within yourself, that can help you choose the best course of action at any given moment as you pursue your goals or purpose in life. Throughout history moral philosophers and religious thinkers have sought to define the key characteristics of virtuous human behaviors that lead to optimal living.
In the early 2000s, the founding Positive Psychology scientists Martin Seligman, Mihai Csikszentmihalyi, and Christopher Peterson, set out to define “what is good in a human being.”
They began by studying all the great works on virtue, across different religions, philosophies, and regions of the globe. They summarized their findings into six broad categories: Wisdom, Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance and Transcendence.
Their scientific inquiry produced the Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification system that identifies the 24 character strengths within the 6 virtues. Each describes what is best in human beings and what leads to a flourishing life. Today the handbook is seen as a counterpart to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that is used in traditional psychology to identify and classify psychiatric disorders and abnormalities of human behavior. While traditional psychology tends to focus on distress, illness, and dysfunction, positive psychology is focused on optimum functioning, satisfaction, happiness, and wellbeing.
The strengths and virtues handbook is not intended to replace the diagnostic approach of traditional psychology but to provide balance, to focus on what is strong - not just what is wrong.
Prior to it’s development, there was no common language for researchers and practitioners to study the various human strengths, so that people could maximize their potential in all areas of life. The Character Strengths and Virtues Handbook created a way for researchers to systematically name, define and group the 24 character strengths within the 6 virtues. This has led empirically based measurements of each character strength, based on the ten criteria that captures the most pertinent features of each.
To help you learn more Character Strengths and virtues The Values in Action (VIA) Institute provides the free online questionnaire used to identify your unique character strengths, called your signature strengths. VIA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing the science of character strengths to the world, through surveys, research and practical tools for both individuals and wellness practitioners. The word “via” in Latin, means “the way” or “by means of,” and represents the bridge between art and science, from theory to practice, to mastery - outlining what leads to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Currently over 11 million users have taken the survey, in 37 different languages across the globe. There you will be able to take the free Values in Action (VIA) Inventory of Strengths It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and provides you a summary of your ranked character strengths. The position of each indicates the degree to which that strength is both valued and expressed in your life. The top 5 on the list are considered your Signature Strengths that are absolutely essential to you, that define who you are, and most likely to represent the real authentic you.
