In keeping with the spirit of the season and the jingle that is stuck in our heads, we might be asking, “……Who’s naughty or nice”? But wait, today, let’s focus on how you have been ‘nice’. Let us shine the spotlight on goodness and let it become the focus of your riveted attention.
Chris Peterson and Martin Seligman studied the science and practice of character (considered the backbone of Positive Psychology) in their book ‘Character Strengths and Virtues’. After 3 years of extensive research they identified 6 Virtues that are recognized the world over across regions, cultures, religions, languages and time as being desirable and highly coveted.
Courage | Humanity | Justice | Temperance | Transcendence | Wisdom
They sound lofty, grand and beyond the humble reach of the common man. You will be surprised to hear that Peterson and Seligman offer a holistic concept and a comfortable framework to work from, making it simple to understand and easy to attain. Within each of the virtues they have gathered and nestled groups of character strengths. They identified 24 character strengths to “lead the good life”. They include mental, emotional, social, communal, protective and spiritual strengths. Take a deep breath. It still isn’t beyond your grasp. In fact, you may be surprised to find that perhaps you have harbored blind spots towards your own character strengths, all this time. You may already be engaging some of these virtues outside of your conscious awareness.
Courage ‘describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity’ (emotional).
Humanity ‘describes strengths that manifest in caring relationships with others’ (social).
Justice ‘describes strengths that help you connect in community or group-based situations’ (communal).
Temperance ‘describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess’ (protective).
Transcendence ‘describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning’ (spiritual).
Wisdom ‘describes strengths that help you gather and use knowledge’ (cognitive).
Now you might recognize when some of these virtues emerged within you. Ryan Niemiec of the VIA Institute suggests 3 steps to develop these strengths:
- Become aware of your own character strengths
- Explore those strengths that interest you
- Take action to use your strengths mindfully
When trying on a character strength for the first time you role play what it would be like to wear that hat. This is your Zone of Proximal Development, the distance between where you are right now and where you aspire to be, as described in Character Strengths Matter. When you step into your ZPD you are more likely to adopt the mindset and behaviors of that character strength.
So try it on for size. As Michael Bublé sings, “So be good for goodness sake…..”!