Achieving Goals Using Character Strengths

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Happy January!

The beginning of a new year can be a great time to wipe the slate clean and start fresh. Maybe you’ve decided that you will try to reduce your stress this year? Or you want to focus on spending more time with your family? Do your goals include being promoted at work? Whether or not you have taken the time to think about your personal and/or professional aspirations these 3 simple tips will help you make the most out of the next 12 months!

 Focus on Others. Up to two-thirds of people do not have a meaningful awareness of their strengths (Linley, 2008). When you take the time to notice and show appreciation to someone for their character strengths they feel understood and valued and the relationship is boosted. Review the list of 24 character strengths and in your next interaction with a loved one, describe a strength that they have exhibited recently or in that moment. Watch for nonverbal cues (eyes brightening, smiling, etc.) to see how your genuine compliment on their unique strengths made them feel. Use this strengths-spotting exercise with as many people as you can and as often as possible and notice the positive impact on your relationships. Read more about this concept here.


Align Your Goals. First, take the FREE VIA Character Strengths Survey, which describes your signature strengths—the strengths that come most naturally to you. Now, with your top strengths in mind, think or write about something you would like to accomplish this year. Research shows that people who used their character strengths to create personally meaningful goals made better progress on reaching those goals. Read more research about character strengths and achievement.


 Create New Experiences. Science proves that using your signature strengths in new ways can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Each day choose one of your top strengths and make a concerted effort to expand how you will use it. 

References:
- Linley, A. (2008). Average to A+: Realising strengths in yourself and others. Coventry, UK: CAPP Press.

 - Linley, P. A., Nielsen, K. M., Gillett, R., & Biswas-Diener, R. (2010). Using signature strengths in pursuit of goals: Effects on goal progress, need satisfaction, and well-being, and implications for coaching psychologists. International Coaching Psychology Review, 5 (1), 6-15.


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