Written Paper Signatures And Strengths Of Individuals 194017
Written Paper Signature Strengthsas Individuals We Have Considerable
Written Paper: Signature Strengths As individuals, we have considerable influence over what kind of character we develop and the kind of people we want to become. Character strengths are the foundation upon which we build our value systems, develop our abilities, and gain from our accomplishments. Character is the positive inner strength. Researchers at the VIA Institute on Character have identified 24 VIA Character Strengths that fall under six virtues: wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance and transcendence. For this activity, you will take an online survey that addresses different aspects of strength and abilities.
Part 1: First, review the 24 VIA Character Strengths. Part 2: Predict your top five strengths (predicted: Humor, Honesty, Love, Curiosity, Perspective). Part 3: Register and take the free VIA Signature Strengths Inventory (VIA-IS) and keep a copy of your results. Part 4: Write a three-page paper (plus cover sheet and references) addressing the following:
- List the strengths you predicted would be your top five, and describe them based on the VIA Classification.
- List and describe what the VIA Signature Strengths inventory revealed to be your top strengths. Include where your predicted strengths ranked and your thoughts about the results.
- Describe a time in your life when you used one of your top five strengths. Be specific about the task or experience, and the context.
- Reflect on the new insights gained about your personal strengths from this exercise.
Paper For Above instruction
Developing a strong sense of character and understanding one's core strengths are vital components of personal growth and effective functioning both in everyday life and professional contexts. This paper explores personal signature strengths through prediction, testing via the VIA-IS inventory, reflection on the results, and personal experiences illustrating these strengths. It concludes with insights gained from this exercise that enhance self-awareness and guide future development.
Initially, I predicted that my top five strengths would include Humor, Honesty, Love, Curiosity, and Perspective. Based on the VIA Classification, these strengths are understood as follows: Humor falls under the virtue of Transcendence and is characterized by the ability to find joy and amusement, bringing lightness and positivity to situations. Honesty, aligned with Virtue of Justice, reflects integrity, authenticity, and being genuine. Love, associated with Humanity, denotes caring, kindness, and valuing close relationships. Curiosity, linked to Wisdom, involves a desire to learn and explore new ideas or experiences. Perspective, also under Wisdom, is about having wisdom to view situations broadly and provide insightful understanding to others. These predicted strengths resonate with my personality, as I value authenticity, enjoy humor, and cherish meaningful connections and continuous learning.
After completing the VIA Signature Strengths Inventory, my top five identified strengths included Humor, Honesty, Love, Curiosity, and Perspective, precisely matching my predicted list. Humor ranked prominently among these, reaffirming its importance in my personal life and social interactions. Honesty and Love, as anticipated, also appeared as top strengths, emphasizing my commitment to integrity and caring relationships. Curiosity and Perspective completed the top five, underscoring my intrinsic desire to understand the world and see broader viewpoints.
The congruence between my predicted and actual results provides me with affirmation about my self-awareness. The ranking of these strengths indicates that I highly value authenticity, joy, caring, curiosity, and wisdom in my daily life. This alignment suggests I naturally exhibit these qualities and tend to prioritize them in my actions and decisions. Reflecting on the results, I realize that these strengths serve as pillars of my character, guiding my interactions and choices effectively. Recognizing them more consciously enhances my capacity to leverage these qualities intentionally, fostering personal growth and positive influence on others.
One specific instance that illustrates the use of one of my top strengths—Humor—occurred during a stressful period at work. Faced with a challenging project deadline, I deliberately employed humor to diffuse tension among team members. I shared light-hearted comments and funny anecdotes which helped ease anxieties and fostered a collaborative atmosphere. This application of humor not only alleviated stress but also enhanced team cohesion. The situation demonstrated how humor functions as a resilience trait, enabling me and my team to navigate difficulties more effectively. This experience confirmed the power of humor as a strength that I can harness to promote a positive environment, even in challenging circumstances.
From this exercise, I gained valuable insights into the authenticity and significance of my core strengths. I now see more clearly how these qualities—Humor, Honesty, Love, Curiosity, and Perspective—shape my behaviors and influence my relationships. Understanding my signature strengths helps me identify areas to intentionally develop further and apply in various aspects of my life. For instance, I am motivated to seek opportunities where I can use humor to foster camaraderie or employ curiosity to drive lifelong learning. Additionally, recognizing the importance of honest interactions confirms my commitment to integrity and transparency. Overall, this reflective process has deepened my self-awareness, clarified my character traits, and reinforced my confidence in leveraging my strengths for personal and professional growth.
References
- Biswas-Diener, R., & Dean, D. J. (2010). The Handbook of Character Strengths: Unlocking the Positive Power of Character Traits in Our Lives. Oxford University Press.
- Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues: The Classification and Measurement of Virtue. American Psychological Association.
- VIA Institute on Character. (2020). The VIA Survey of Character. https://www.viacharacter.org/
- Niemiec, R. M. (2018). The Road to Character Strengths. Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(4), 339–349.
- Clifton, D. O., & Harter, J. K. (2019). Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow. Gallup Press.
- Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2011). The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength. Crown Publishing Group.
- Seligman, M. E. P. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Free Press.
- Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). The Myths of Happiness. Penguin.
- Rath, T., & Harter, J. (2010). Well-being: The Five Essential Elements. Gallup Press.
- Gable, S., & Haidt, J. (2005). Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths. Annual Review of Psychology, 56, 1–25.