Have you ever wondered: What are my personal strengths? Then you are like many people. Because we rarely learn to consciously perceive our skills. We often see our weaknesses faster than what really makes us.
Character strengths - key to the successful life
The positive psychology has set itself the task of not only examining deficits and mental illnesses, but also researching the conditions for a fulfilling, successful life. The so -called Characteristic, i.e. morally positive personality traits that help us to manage challenges, maintain relationships and find meaning in life (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).
Power strengths such as hope, endurance, social intelligence or gratitude are not only theoretical concepts, they show themselves as concrete actions and attitudes in everyday life. Studies show that people who are so -called Signature (which are best to use the strengths that are best suited to your personality), significantly feel more job satisfaction and meaning in life. This connection in the workplace becomes particularly clear: If you can use at least four of your most important strengths in your profession, you not only experience more joy at work, but often even sees it as a personal appointment (Harzer & Ruch, 2013).
At the same time, longitudinal studies show that many character strengths remain stable over time, similar to personality traits, and can therefore be considered "trait-like" (Gander et al., 2020). This suggests that they can be developed and specifically promoted - for example through reflection, coaching or positive institutions that favor their application. Character strengths are therefore not just a theoretical concept, but a practical tool for promoting resilience, self -efficacy and well -being.
Why is it important to know your own strengths?
Here are three reasons why it is worth recognizing your strengths:
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Strengthen self -confidence: If you know what you can do, you can go through life more confidently - and can be kept less of doubts.
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Make better decisions: If you know your strengths, you can choose the job, the position or the project that really suits you.
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Convince in an interview: A good answer to the question of your strengths and weaknesses can be decisive in the interview.
What are personal strengths? A simple definition
Character strengths are positive, persistent characteristics of a person who show themselves in thinking, feeling and acting and promote individual and social well -being. They are considered morally valued, across culture and can be developed and strengthened in a targeted manner.
Definition according to the positive psychology (Peterson & Seligman, 2004)
"Character strengths are the psychological building blocks of the virtues - measurable, trainable properties that express themselves in positive actions."
The character of the positive psychology is based on the VIA classification system (Values in Action), which was developed by Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman (2004). They define 24 character strengths that are assigned to six universal virtues.
These 24 strengths have been identified across cultures and can be deliberately strengthened and promoted by reflection, coaching or training.
Here is the complete overview:
1. Wisdom and knowledge
Cognitive strengths that support the acquisition and use of knowledge:
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creativity - Develop original and useful ideas
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curiosity - Active interest in experiences and new
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Judgment (critical thinking) - careful consideration of information
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Love for learning - Joy to acquire new knowledge
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Wisdom (foresight) - make good decisions with life experience
2. Courage
Emotional strengths that show inner strength and steadfastness in difficult situations:
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bravery - threats or pain
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Endurance (persistence) - act purposefully despite obstacles
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Integrity (authenticity) - honestly, sincere and be true to yourself
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Fast infection (enthusiasm) - act with energy and enthusiasm
3. Humanity
Strengths in the interpersonal area that promote welfare and closeness:
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Love - Care close, appreciative relationships
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friendliness - Treat others with compassion and generosity
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Social intelligence - Understand the emotions of others and react appropriately to it
4. Justice
Strengths that are important for a good coexistence:
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fairness - Treat others fairly and impartially
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Leadership - take responsibility and effectively guide groups
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Teamwork (loyalty) - act reliably and cooperatively in the team
5. Mousing
Strengths that compensate for excessive behavior and allow balance:
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Willingness to proceed - Do not add other mistakes permanently
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Modesty - do not overload your own services
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Caution - act prudently and responsibly
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Self -regulation - Check impulses, emotions and behavior
6. Transcendence
Sensible strengths, the connection to something greater than promote yourself:
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Sense for the beautiful - perceive beauty in nature, art and everyday life
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gratitude - express appreciation for positive things in life
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Hope - trust a good future and work towards it
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humor - Promote joy and lightness
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Spirituality - Orientation to values and questions of meaning in life
How to find your personal strengths
You don't have to study psychology to recognize your strengths. But a little self -reflection helps. Here are three simple methods:
1. Review: Where were you in your element?
Think back of moments when you have completely risen - at work, in a project or in conversation. What did you do? Which of your skills were asked?
2. Obtain feedback
Ask people who are close to you: "What do you appreciate about me?" - You will be surprised at how many skills see others in you that you may have underestimated yourself.
3. Personality test
A good start is a personality test, e.g. B. the Via strength test or the 16-personalities test. Such tests provide you with the first information and an objective assessment of your strengths.
The combination of strengths and work
Your strengths should also be found in your everyday work. This makes this satisfied and successful in the long term.
Example:
If you are very customer -oriented, a job in service, sales or coaching might be ideal for you. If you think analytically, working with numbers, data or strategies could be just the right thing.
Tip: Take a close look at the requirements in job advertisements and compare them with your strengths list. This is how you find companies, industries or professional fields that really suit you.
Present strengths in the job interview
The famous question about the strengths and weaknesses comes in almost every interview. And this is exactly where you can shine - with clarity, honesty and good formulations.
Here are some examples:
Possible strengths:
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"I am very strong and can remain calm and clear even in difficult conversations."
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"I show my own initiative and like to take responsibility when I see development potential."
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"My reliability is often praised by college: inside and employers - I keep Deadlines and commitments."
Possible weaknesses (but well packaged):
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"Sometimes I say yes too often, but I am actively working on setting limits more."
It is important: stay authentic. Better honest answers with a real connection to your life and your work.
Personal strengths in the cover letter and curriculum vitae
Also im Cover Can you yours Strengthen emphasize - ideally in connection with a concrete example.
Formulation tip:
"Thanks to my many years of experience in customer contact, I was able to use my communication skills and customer orientation, even in challenging situations."
And in the curriculum vitae? Here you can insert a short list under "Personal competencies". B.:
Personal strengths:
Reliability | Initiative | Communication strength | Structure | Teamwork
From test to real life: how you use your strengths in everyday life
It's not just about the application, you can also actively use your strengths in private life:
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Your resilience will help you to stay calm in stressful family phases
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Your creativity is evident in solving small everyday problems
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Your empathy makes you a valuable friend
Recognize what you are in and give your talent space to develop.
Your personal strengths are the key to your success
Whether in the job, in the job interview, in everyday work or in personal life: your strengths are your foundation. They help you master challenges, solve problems and make decisions that really suit you.
And best of all: you can develop it, deepen, adapt it, for a lifetime. It is never too late to get to know each other again.
So take room. Reflection. Write down your strengths. And remember: You have more to offer than you may believe.
If you want, I will be happy to accompany you on this way - with impulses, workbooks and personal support. Submit yourself on my website and remain connected to my articles and career tips.
If you want to learn more about your personal strengths, you are welcome to mine Workbook to strengthen character Use, it contains many practical exercises, reflection questions and impulses with which you can discover your strengths step by step. Or book a 1: 1 coaching session with me: Together we do scientifically well-founded tests to identify your signature strengths, i.e. exactly those strengths that make you special and give you energy, joy and meaning. These signature strengths are a powerful key to personal development, professional clarity and a fulfilling life.
Arrange the contemplate 1: 1 conversation
Literature references:
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Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification. Oxford University Press.
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Harzer, C., & Ruch, W. (2013). The Application of Signature Character Strengths and Positive Experiences at Work. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(3), 965–983.
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Gander, F., Hofmann, J., Proyer, R. T., & Ruch, W. (2020). Character Strengths: Stability and Change. Journal of Personality, 88(6), 1117–1144.
Category: Questions, applicants, HR managers, everything, advantages, result, case, a z, professional strengths, something, choice, meaning, self -assessment
