Without taking any of these online personality tests, you probably have a good idea what your strengths are. You probably know if you’re more playful than others. You know that you’re a born leader. You know you forgive easily.
Use Seligman's list to surmise your signature strengths (or take the test). Really think about what's important to you. Knowing these things is at the foundation of your future happiness.
Appreciation of beauty and excellence
Bravery and valor
Capacity to love and be loved
Caution, prudence, and discretion
Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Curiosity and interest in the world
Fairness, equity, and justice
Forgiveness and mercy
Gratitude
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
Humor and playfulness
Industry, diligence, and perseverance
Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness
Kindness and generosity
Leadership
Love of Learning
Modesty and humility
Perspective (wisdom)
Self-control and self-regulation
Social Intelligence
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
So, now what? Seligman proposes that we exercise, or implement, our signature strengths regularly to make daily life better.
Do Strengths Bring Happiness?
The VIA’s rigorous research has found that our personality strengths are directly correlated with our satisfaction in life. This is true for all of the identified strengths except for wisdom and knowledge. (The preponderance of glum philosophers may be the classic proof of this exception.) So, Seligman's advice to consciously use our signature strengths seems sound.