In addition to the traditional focus on weakness and pathology, the relatively new field of Positive Psychology focuses on human strengths as a key to optimal human functioning. Below follows a list of 24 psychological strengths as described by the Values in Action Institute (2004) [http://www.viastrengths.org].
These are divided into six virtues – Wisdom and Knowledge; Courage; Humanity; Justice; Temperance; and Transcendence. Place a tick next to the strengths that you have and that feature prominently in your life. Then place a cross next to those that you do not have and have not developed. (Some items will therefore not be marked, as you will focus on the two extremes.) Then rank the strengths that you have ticked in order of their prominence in your life.
 Wisdom and Knowledge (cognitive strengths that entail the acquisition and use of knowledge)
1. Creativity [originality, ingenuity]: Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it
2. Curiosity [interest, novelty-seeking, openness to experience]: Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering
3. Open-mindedness [judgement, critical thinking]: Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one's mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly
4. Love of learning: Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one's own or formally; obviously related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows
5. Perspective [wisdom]: Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself and to other people
Courage (emotional strengths that involve the exercise of will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition, external or internal)
6. Bravery [valour]: Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what is right even if there is opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it
7. Persistence [perseverance, industriousness]: Finishing what one starts; persisting in a course of action in spite of obstacles; taking pleasure in completing tasks
8. Integrity [authenticity, honesty]: Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretence; taking responsibility for one's feelings and actions
9. Vitality [zest, enthusiasm, vigour, energy]: Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated
Humanity (interpersonal strengths that involve tending and befriending others)
10. Love: Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated; being close to people
11. Kindness [generosity, nurturance, care, compassion, altruistic love, "niceness"]: Doing favours and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them
12. Social intelligence [emotional intelligence, personal intelligence]: Being aware of the motives and feelings of other people and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick
Justice (civic strengths that underlie healthy community life)
13. Citizenship [social responsibility, loyalty, teamwork]: Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one's share
14. Fairness: Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting personal feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance
15. Leadership: Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen
Temperance (strengths that protect against excess)
16. Forgiveness and mercy: Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting the shortcomings of others; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful
17. Humility/Modesty: Letting one's accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is
18. Prudence: Being careful about one's choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted
19. Self-regulation [self-control]: Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one's appetites and emotions
Transcendence (strengths that forge connections to the larger universe and provide meaning)
20. Appreciation of beauty and excellence [awe, wonder, elevation]: Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience
21. Gratitude: Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks
22. Hope [optimism, future-mindedness, future orientation]: Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about
23. Humour [playfulness]: Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes
24. Spirituality [religiousness, faith, purpose]: Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits in within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort
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