Strength In Positive Psychology

Strength has been a topic of debate and research in the field of Positive Psychology since many years. Some believe that strength is a ‘capacity for feeling, thinking, and behaving in a way that allows optimal functioning in pursuit of valued out comes’ (Linley and Harrington, 2007).
Others suggest that our strengths are ‘the psychological ingredients – processes and mechanisms- that define morally valued virtues’ (Peterson and Seligman, 2004). The exact definition of strength varies from person to person but to put it easily, strength is the natural talent of a person in which he/she excels.

Life pushes you to struggle and keep fighting in order to move on. To achieve your goals you have to focus on your strengths and nurture them. However,

It gives a sense of fulfilment and achievement. So how exactly can you recognize your strength?

All of us have heard it during our lives; Do what you love to do? What we often overlook is the wisdom behind this logic. What you love to do is actually your strength. This comes to you naturally and it propels you to move forward.

You can also always ask about your strengths and weaknesses from your family and friends or you can try another way.

You don’t need a pencil and a paper to jot down your strengths. Just switch on a recorder. Now recall a moment where you were at your best. Your performance was exceptional and the results were commendable. This will hardly take 5 to 7 minutes. When you are done, prepare another recording of yourself. This time, however, recall an experience where you miserably failed.
Now play back and listen to both of these recordings. Did you feel the difference? Can you feel the energy, happiness and smile in your voice during that first recording where you described your best moment?

Studies suggest that a person’s vocabulary becomes more elaborate and the body stance becomes more confident when they talk about their success. They mention their strength or strengths and seem more energized and

The answer to that question is no. It does not mean that your weakness has vanished into thin air; rather by focusing on your strength you have bypassed your weakness. You still need to work on that weakness by finding a counter strength.

For example, I hate speaking up in public. I find it exhausting but the nature of my profession puts me in the lime light. I simply cannot avoid it. This is my weakness. That’s when I decided to turn the tables around and tackle this problem by bringing in my counter strength. I love working and thinking about new perspectives in solving any problem. I’m creative and crafty so my ideas are often modernistic. I decided to bring in my ideas during the meetings where I had to address people. Now public speaking has actually become fun and companionable.

You should remember that your strengths never prevaricate. They may change, grow or deteriorate with time and circumstances but they never come to stand still. You need to keep working on your strengths. Dream big; be optimistic while at the same time keep your feet rooted in reality. Encompassing your strength will make you energetic and enthusiastic and will enable you to see opportunities in the darkest