Body Builder
A key element of positive psychology is the recognition of and focus on personal strengths.
The Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania defines positive psychology as "the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. The field is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselves, and to enhance their experiences of love, work, and play" - yeah that's right we just quoted a real legit source #lawyered
Pretty much what this means is that knowing your strengths and working on them can help to improve the way that you experience life aka its a good thing to know your strengths.
We can hear you internally yelling "but i don't have any strengths!?!" - don't worry we got you covered. The VIA strengths survey takes around 15 mins and essentially gives you a ton (yeah we aren't gonna lie) of questions to answer and at the end spits out your strengths.
Check it out here:
Now that you have done the survey here are some things to think about:
- Do these results sounds right? When you read over your top 5 are you surprised by any?
- Can you think of any example of each of your top 5 strengths from the last week?
- Which strengths do you use the most everyday at work or university? How could you start to use some of your other strengths as well?
- Look at your bottom 3 results, are you surprised by any of these? How do you think you could work to improve these values?
Lets Start a training regime... don't worry no running involved
Just like body builders set themselves goals, train and show off their muscles, we can do the same thing with our strengths.
First of all choose a value that you want to focus on. It might be one of your top strengths or one that was a bit further down the list.
Now a time frame - let's make it short to begin and to make sure we can track it. 1 or 2 weeks maybe?
Okay now let's determine a goal. In your time frame how many times do you want to practise using this strength? How are you going to achieve and track this goal?
Below we have created a list of goals you could try for each value, but it's totally up to you what you choose. Share with us #bloombodybuilder and @bloommentalhealth so we can share you working towards your goal.
Appreciation of Beauty & excellence
Spend extra time in green spaces!
Bravery
Don't be afraid to make friends with someone who is different but positive for you
Creativity
Spend 30 mins each day trialling a creative practice such as poetry or art
fairness
Every half an hour at work/university check in with yourself to see if you have treated people how you would like to be treated
Forgiveness
Think about someone that has upset you or let you down and write a letter of forgiveness focusing on their perspective. You do not need to deliver it.
gratitude
Each night write down three things that you are grateful for - or use our reverse bucket list tool!
Hope
Blast "I'm a believer" and think about all the goals you are hoping to achieve
Humility
Take the time in a group decision to talk less and listen more to the people around you
humour
Watch a show or stand up comedian and think about why you find it funny.
judgement
Next time an issue arises play devil's advocate to better understand the issue.
kindness
Try to perform a random act of kindness each day this week
Leadership
Read a biography or watch a movie of a leader you admire and analyse their leadership qualities
love
Make an effort this week to better understand someone in your life- perhaps a family member or friend
curiosity
Try an activity you don't like but try to find 3 things that you enjoy about it
honesty
Next time you are asked for advice take a moment to give the most honest and authentic advice you can
love of learning
Learn 5 new words in a different language this week
Perspective
Read quotes by philosophers and find one that resonates with you. Make this your motto for the week.
Perseverance
Set 5 goals this week and create a plan of how you will achieve them
Prudence
Each day focus one hour on thinking about everything before you say it.
Self-regulation
Set 5 tasks to do each day, such as make your bed and clean your dishes and do these each day.
social intelligence
Practice recognising and naming emotions in other people and yourself
spirituality
Practice a spiritual tool, such as praying or meditating every day for a week.
Teamwork
Join a sports team or start a book club and use your teamwork skills to excel as a group
zest
Try a physical activity you have never done before! Maybe rock climbing, or yoga or pole dancing!
