Unlock Your Inner Strengths: A Guide to the 24 Character Strengths

As boxing legend Muhammad Ali once said, “I've never let anyone talk me into not believing in myself.” Having a source of inner strength to draw on during tough times and to propel us toward our goals can make all the difference. But where do we find this power?

The great news is, we already have it! Deep within each of us lies an arsenal of character strengths—24 in total—that can launch us toward a life filled with positive energy, achievement, and well-being. We’re not talking about superpowers like flying or reading minds, but the innate qualities that define who we are. Ready to uncover your inner strengths?

A Positive Psychology Project

In the field of positive psychology, researchers over the past century have worked to identify core character strengths valued across cultures. Through extensive cross-cultural studies, they pinpointed 24 character strengths. These aren’t just abstract ideas—they’re part of our DNA, shaping our personalities, guiding our behavior, and influencing how we interact with others.

A Glimpse Into the Past: The History of the 24 Character Strengths

To truly appreciate these 24 character strengths, it helps to know their origins.

Our story begins in the late 20th century with the rise of positive psychology. While traditional psychology often focused on disorders and abnormalities, positive psychology took a fresh approach—emphasizing the positive aspects of human life and what makes life meaningful.

Psychologist Martin Seligman, known as the father of positive psychology, led this movement. Together with his colleague Christopher Peterson, Seligman set out to explore virtues and strengths valued across cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions. They reviewed a wide range of literature, including ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, and Aristotle’s works.

Their goal? To identify universal virtues celebrated as the essence of good character across all cultures. From this research, Seligman and Peterson identified six core virtues:

• Wisdom: The ability to gain and use knowledge for insight and sound decisions.
• Courage: The inner strength to face challenges and act according to one’s beliefs, even in the face of fear.
• Humanity: The capacity to form deep connections through compassion and kindness.
• Justice: A commitment to fairness, community harmony, and collaboration.
• Temperance: The practice of moderation and self-control for balanced living.
• Transcendence: The ability to connect with the larger universe, drawing meaning from awe and hope.

The Fabulous 24

To make these broad virtues tangible and actionable, Seligman and Peterson identified specific character strengths underlying each one. These strengths are measurable traits that people can recognize and develop. The list of 24 character strengths was born!

This framework did more than just offer a list—it transformed how we approach personal growth. With a structured way to identify, measure, and cultivate these strengths, both professionals and everyday people now have a science-backed roadmap to enhance well-being and resilience.

Over time, these strengths have been integrated into education, business, counseling, and personal development. Let’s explore them in detail!

1. Wisdom Across the Ages (Character Strengths 1-5)

Wisdom is often pictured as an elderly sage on a mountain or a librarian surrounded by dusty books, but it’s not just about age or profound sayings. It’s dynamic, multifaceted, and accessible to everyone.

Within the 24 character strengths, wisdom includes several components:

• Creativity: Bringing innovation to everyday life—whether solving problems, journaling, or organizing your space.
• Curiosity: Fueling exploration and a desire to understand the world and our place in it.
• Judgment: Critically evaluating situations and considering all angles before deciding—not about being judgmental.
• Love of learning: A genuine enthusiasm for picking up new skills, reading, or exploring hobbies.
• Perspective: Viewing life from a broader lens and understanding diverse viewpoints.

Wisdom and Personal Growth

Harnessing wisdom can be especially helpful for those navigating life challenges, such as reevaluating their relationship with alcohol. Here’s how:

• Decision making: Wisdom helps us make choices rooted in self-awareness, recognizing patterns and triggers.
• Adaptability: A creative and curious mindset helps us find new paths when plans change.
• Resilience: Perspective and judgment help us bounce back from setbacks and learn from each experience.

Embracing Our Inner Sage

To cultivate wisdom in daily life:

• Keep learning through courses, reading, or new experiences.
• Reflect on past decisions and outcomes.
• Seek mentorship from those you admire.
• Listen actively to understand others deeply.
• Practice open-mindedness and challenge your own beliefs.
• Ask questions to foster curiosity.
• Embrace uncertainty—it’s okay not to have all the answers.
• Meditate to enhance self-awareness and perspective.
• Engage in meaningful conversations about life and values.
• Read widely to expand your knowledge.

2. Courage Unveiled (Character Strengths 6-9)

Courage isn’t just about grand gestures or facing giant foes—it’s the quiet resolve and small steps that shape our daily lives.

Within the character strengths framework, courage appears in several forms:

• Bravery: Standing up for what’s right, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Persistence: Pushing forward to finish what you start, using challenges as stepping stones.
• Integrity: Being authentic, honest, and true to your values.
• Vitality: Embracing life with enthusiasm, even during adversity.

Courage and Personal Journeys

When facing personal challenges like changing your relationship with alcohol, courage becomes a powerful ally:

• Bravery in choices: Acknowledging challenges and taking proactive steps.
• Persistence pays off: Sticking to commitments day by day.
• Integrity in reflection: Honestly assessing patterns and vulnerabilities.
• Vitality in vision: Focusing on positive changes like better health and clearer thinking.

Cultivating Courage

To build courage:

• Face fears gradually.
• Set clear goals.
• Educate yourself about what you fear.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
• Practice assertiveness.
• Seek out challenges.
• Build a support system.
• Reflect on past successes.
• Quitemate negative thoughts.
• Engage in physical training.
• Limit exposure to naysayers.
• Read about courageous people.

3. Humanity: Where Heart Meets Action (Character Strengths 10-12)

Humanity reflects our innate need to connect, empathize, and support one another. It’s about resonating with humaneness:

• Love: The bond that ties us to others and keeps us grounded.
• Kindness: Offering comfort, listening, or simply being present.
• Social intelligence: Reading emotions and navigating social situations with grace.

Humanity and Personal Growth

On a journey like reevaluating alcohol use, humanity plays a key role:

• Love’s embrace: Self-love and support from others provide strength.
• Kindness matters: Self-compassion during setbacks and celebrating small wins.
• Social intelligence: Navigating social situations where alcohol is present with empathy.

Practicing Humanity

To nurture humanity:

• Listen actively.
• Offer genuine compliments.
• Practice empathy.
• Volunteer in your community.
• Cultivate kindness through random acts.
• Deepen relationships.
• Express gratitude regularly.
• Engage in group activities.
• Practice mindfulness.
• Seek feedback from trusted individuals.
• Limit technology during social times.
• Share personal stories.

4. Justice in the Spotlight (Character Strengths 13-15)

Justice is more than courtrooms—it’s about fairness, teamwork, and leadership, ensuring everyone gets a fair chance.

Within the character strengths, justice includes:

• Fairness: Ensuring equality and standing against bias.
• Teamwork: Celebrating collective goals and harmony.
• Leadership: Guiding with empathy and ensuring all voices are heard.

Justice and Personal Battles

When addressing personal challenges like alcohol use, justice supports growth:

• Fairness in self-assessment: Honest reflection without self-criticism.
• Teamwork in support systems: Valuing collective effort and mutual support.
• Leadership in personal commitments: Taking charge of your path and inspiring others.

Justice in Action

To practice justice:

• Stay informed about social issues.
• Practice active citizenship.
• Stand up against injustice.
• Volunteer for fair causes.
• Treat everyone fairly.
• Engage in open dialogues.
• Support fair trade.
• Foster inclusive environments.
• Reflect on personal biases.
• Collaborate with others.

5. Temperance: Finding Balance (Character Strengths 16-19)

Temperance is about balance—not going overboard, but not holding back too much either.

Its facets include:

• Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and choosing peace.
• Humility: Recognizing your worth without boasting.
• Prudence: Making careful, considered decisions.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions and actions for balance.

Temperance and Personal Journeys

When moderating or abstaining from alcohol, temperance is a trusted companion:

• Forgiveness: Healing from mistakes with self-compassion.
• Humility: Seeking guidance and acknowledging we don’t have all the answers.
• Prudence: Evaluating situations and making aligned decisions.
• Self-regulation: Managing cravings and setting healthy boundaries.

Celebrating Balanced Living

To cultivate temperance:

• Practice self-awareness through journaling or meditation.
• Set clear boundaries.
• Consume mindfully.
• Seek balance in work, rest, and social life.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Limit stimulants and depressants.
• Create a routine.
• Practice patience.
• Set realistic expectations.
• Use positive affirmations.

6. Transcendence: Beyond the Ordinary (Character Strengths 20-24)

Transcendence is about reaching beyond the ordinary and tapping into the extraordinary through everyday experiences:

• Appreciation of beauty and excellence: Recognizing and cherishing awe-inspiring moments.
• Gratitude: Acknowledging the good in life, big and small.
• Hope: Believing in a positive future.
• Humor: Seeing the lighter side of life.
• Spirituality: Feeling connected to something larger.

Transcendence and Personal Growth

For those on a personal journey like reevaluating alcohol use, transcendence offers elevation and support:

• Appreciating clarity: Valuing sober moments and clear thinking.
• Gratitude for progress: Celebrating every step forward.
• Holding onto hope: Staying resilient through challenges.
• Harnessing humor: Lightening the mood and reducing stress.
• Spiritual anchoring: Finding strength and purpose in a higher connection.

Soaring to Greater Heights With Transcendence

To cultivate transcendence:

• Immerse yourself in nature.
• Practice meditation and mindfulness.
• Engage with art and music.
• Seek awe-inspiring experiences.
• Practice gratitude daily.
• Help others through volunteering.
• Read widely on philosophy and spirituality.
• Join groups with shared purposes.
• Engage in deep conversations.
• Practice yoga.
• Start a dream journal.

Harness the 24 Character Strengths

Here are some general tips for tapping into your character strengths:

• Strengths journal: Write down when you used a strength, like curiosity leading to a new hobby.
• Strengths buddy system: Partner with a friend to spot and appreciate each other’s strengths.
• Daily strengths challenge: Exercise a specific strength each day, such as using humor or creativity.
• Mindful moments: Reflect daily on which strengths you used and which you can use more.
• Strengths in stories: Read or watch stories where characters embody particular strengths.
• Strengths vision board: Create a visual reminder of your strengths with images and quotes.

Concluding Thoughts

Character strengths are the threads that weave the fabric of our being. While we all possess these strengths, each person’s blend is unique. By consciously recognizing, nurturing, and applying them, we can lead more enriched and fulfilling lives. So why wait? Dive into your strengths today and uncover the superhuman within!

Every time you harness a strength, you’re not just boosting yourself—you’re also lighting up the world with positivity. Go on, embrace that inner magic!