Character strengths
The 24 character strengths, one by one
What each strength is, how it shows in everyday life, and what happens when it is overdone. Everyone has all 24; the question is which come most naturally to you.
Wisdom · Strengths of the mind
Creativity
What creativity means as a character strength, why it is not only about art, how it shows in daily life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Curiosity
What curiosity means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, what happens when it is overdone, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Judgment
What judgment (critical thinking and open-mindedness) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is yours.
Love of learning
What love of learning means as a character strength, how it differs from curiosity, when it is overdone, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Perspective
What perspective, or wisdom, means as a character strength, how it shows in the advice people seek from you, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Courage · Strengths of will
Bravery
What bravery means as a character strength, why it is mostly about everyday courage rather than heroics, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Honesty
What honesty (integrity and authenticity) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Perseverance
What perseverance means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, when it turns into stubbornness, and how to tell if it is yours.
Zest
What zest (enthusiasm, vitality and energy) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Humanity · Strengths with people close to you
Kindness
What kindness (generosity, care and compassion) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Love
What love means as a character strength (valuing close relationships, giving and receiving care), how it shows, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Social intelligence
What social intelligence (emotional intelligence) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Justice · Strengths of community life
Fairness
What fairness means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life and at work, when it is overdone, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Leadership
What leadership means as a character strength, why it is not only about job titles, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is yours.
Teamwork
What teamwork (citizenship and loyalty) means as a character strength, how it shows at work and beyond, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Temperance · Strengths that protect against excess
Forgiveness
What forgiveness (mercy) means as a character strength, what it is not, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Humility
What humility (modesty) means as a character strength, why it is not low self-esteem, how it shows in daily life, and how to tell if it is yours.
Prudence
What prudence (being careful and planning ahead) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is yours.
Self-control
What self-control (self-regulation) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, when it is overdone, and how to tell if it is yours.
Transcendence · Strengths that connect you to something larger
Appreciation of beauty
What appreciation of beauty and excellence means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Gratitude
What gratitude means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, why it is linked to well-being, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Hope
What hope (optimism) means as a character strength, how it differs from wishful thinking, how it shows in daily life, and how to tell if it is yours.
Humor
What humor (playfulness) means as a character strength, how it shows in everyday life, when it is overdone, and how to tell if it is one of yours.
Spirituality
What spirituality (sense of purpose and meaning) means as a character strength, with or without religion, and how to tell if it is one of yours.