When you can identify and use your signature strengths, you can live your best life.

It is thought that everyone has the capacity to think, feel and behave in a way that will benefit not only themselves but other people. These are character strengths or positive traits. Two researchers (Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman) identified these positive traits into 24 distinct characteristics, which were then classified into 6 individual pillars.

The use of strengths can increase happiness, satisfaction, dealing with adversity and promotes well-being.

When we use our signature strengths we have greater feelings of purpose and fulfilment. We can flourish in life; thrive rather than just survive.

By making effort to use your strengths as often as possible you will experience increased happiness, a sense of ownership and validity whilst using it and, be able to learn or master things quicker. We are naturally drawn to using our strengths even is we are unaware of it. Using our signature strengths are a pathway to full engagement and psychological flow. In other words, we will be happier and more satisfied with our lives if we consciously use our signature strengths.

Your character strengths can be separated into six different pillars. For some people, their strengths may come from different pillars, for others, their strengths may come from the same pillar or have a smaller spread with 2 or 3 coming from one, and others coming from another.

The six pillars of signature strengths and their corresponding individual values are:

More information can be found at viacharacter.org

From the signature strengths listed, identify which ones best describe who you are at your core. Which are most energising, natural for you to use, and widely expressed in your life?

While we will all have each character strength inherent in us, it is useful to identify the five that resonate most deeply with you.

For a more in-depth and accurate way to figure out your strengths, we suggest you visit www.authentichappiness.com and complete the free survey on your VIA character strengths.

By making an effort to use your strengths as often as possible you will experience increased happiness, a sense of ownership and be able to learn or master things quicker.

We are naturally drawn to using our strengths even if we are unaware of it. Using our signature strengths are a pathway to full engagement and psychological flow. In other words, we will be happier and more satisfied with our lives if we consciously use our signature strengths.

Select your Top 5 signature strengths from the full list of 24 values below. Ask yourself if these values come naturally to you, give you energy or may even be widely expressed in your life already.

You can only select 5 signature strengths at a time

Remember, by using your signature strengths regularly, especially when faced with new or challenging situations, you can gain more satisfaction in life and experience a more positive mood.

Try and find ways where you can apply signature strengths in your everyday life. Interested in learning more? Head over to authentichappiness.com where you can complete the full VIA Character Strengths Survey.