Harnessing Your Strengths: A Positive Psychology Perspective

We all possess unique character strengths—such as curiosity, kindness, perseverance, and gratitude—that fuel our vitality and capacity to thrive. These strengths, identified by the VIA Institute’s framework of 24 character strengths, are universal, but expressed differently by each person. They fall under six core virtues: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance, and transcendence (VIA Institute, 2022).

Yet in our pursuit of personal growth, we often fall into the trap of focusing too much on our flaws. Traditional models of self-improvement emphasize "fixing" weaknesses. But positive psychology offers a different lens: one that suggests we flourish most not by obsessively correcting our shortcomings, but by intentionally using and cultivating our strengths (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000).

Identifying Your Strengths

Despite their importance, many people are unaware of what their strengths truly are. Research shows that only about one-third of individuals can identify their strengths unaided, and just 17% report having the opportunity to use them at work regularly (Buckingham, 2007). The VIA Survey, a free and scientifically validated tool, helps individuals discover their signature strengths—those that feel most natural, energizing, and authentic to them.

Recognizing these strengths is a first step toward aligning our lives with what makes us feel confident, capable, and fulfilled.

Strengths, Psychology, and Mental Health

Numerous psychological studies have shown that applying our character strengths can:

• Increase self-esteem and self-efficacy, allowing individuals to reframe their self-perception in a more empowering light (Boniwell & Tunariu, 2019).

• Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially when strengths are used in daily life (Gander et al., 2021).

• Strengthen emotional resilience and optimism, especially through strengths like hope, bravery, and gratitude (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).

• Promote meaning, flow, and intrinsic motivation, which are all key aspects of sustained wellbeing (Niemiec, 2018).

This aligns with core concepts in positive psychology, such as flourishing, eudaimonic wellbeing, and self-determination theory—all of which suggest that wellbeing emerges when we live in accordance with our values and potential.

Balancing Strengths and Weaknesses

Importantly, acknowledging and using our strengths doesn’t mean ignoring our weaknesses. Everyone has “lesser strengths,” and expecting ourselves to excel at everything is unrealistic and counterproductive. True wellbeing is not about becoming perfect—it’s about embracing our individuality and recognizing the power of complementarity.

In teams, relationships, and communities, we are strongest not when everyone is the same, but when each person brings their unique contributions to the table. One person’s strength in perspective may complement another’s strength in perseverance. Positive psychology encourages us to focus on developing what we naturally do well, and to collaborate with others to create synergy where needed.

From Self-Insight to Daily Action

1. Identify your top 5 signature strengths using the VIA Survey.
2. Use your strengths intentionally—for example, if kindness is a top strength, look for a daily opportunity to support someone or offer empathy.
3. Reflect on balance—notice if you're overusing or underusing a strength (e.g., overusing prudence may lead to indecision).
4. Set goals that align with your strengths. Strength-based goals tend to feel more intrinsically motivating and achievable.

Even small acts of strength use—such as expressing gratitude, showing curiosity, or practicing self-regulation—can gradually shift how we see ourselves and how we engage with the world.

The Big Picture: Why Strengths Matter

• Focusing on your strengths is not self-indulgent—it’s psychologically adaptive and empowering.

• It promotes a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

• It encourages collaboration and diversity over perfectionism and self-criticism.

• And most importantly, it creates a foundation for sustained self-worth, resilience, and meaningful living.

As psychologist Christopher Peterson famously summarized the field of positive psychology: “Other people matter.” And by showing up more fully as ourselves—flaws, strengths, and all—we create a stronger, more connected world.

References:

- Buckingham, M. (2007). Go Put Your Strengths to Work. Free Press.

- Gander, F., Wagner, L., Amann, L., & Ruch, W. (2021). What are character strengths good for? A diary study of character strengths use and its relationships with well-being and job satisfaction. Journal of Positive Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1882553

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

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

- Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.55.1.5

- VIA Institute on Character. (2022). Character Strengths. https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths