Do a quick audit of your life right now by asking yourself some questions, such as:

• Am I happy?
• Do I reach the goals I set for myself?
• How strong and healthy are my relationships?

Regardless of your answers, research shows you have the capacity for more… more happiness, more meaning, more success. You can build what positive psychology experts call “the good life”— a life that focuses on well-being and flourishing.

Often, the hardest part of personal growth is getting started. Where do you begin? In traditional psychology, you’d start by defining a problem and then look for ways to solve it.

Positive psychology is different. It offers an alternative to typical deficit-based approaches by exploring what’s working well for you and enhancing those qualities and experiences. This strengths based approach focuses on amplifying the good in yourself, your life and those around you. With strategies like mindful strengths use, strengths spotting and using your strengths in new ways, you’ll discover effective ways to improve your health, happiness and relationships. Here’s how.

MINDFULLY USING YOUR STRENGTHS IMPROVES SELF-CONFIDENCE

Hopefully, you have taken the research-based VIA Survey to reveal your unique list of character strengths. But, knowing your strengths is just the beginning. When you mindfully use your strengths you connect them to all of your daily actions, behaviours and interactions. For instance, you recognize that it’s your strength of love that thoughtfully prepares your kids’ lunches, your prudence that gets you to work on time, and your self-regulation that chooses the healthy snack option.

Mindfully using your strengths, helps you appreciate the wonderful qualities you bring to the world on a daily basis. When you’re clear about how you contribute positively to those around you, you’re more confident and less likely to compare yourself to others.

STRENGTHS-SPOTTING NURTURES RELATIONSHIPS

Every person has a biological need to be “seen” for who they are. Strengths-spotting involves consciously looking for the 24 character strengths in others’ behaviours, and verbally acknowledging appreciation for the strength. After all, receiving a compliment feels good, right? You can continually give this gift to others.

For example, when your co-worker shares a good idea, recognize their perspective and creativity….or, if your child tries a new food or experience, commend them for their bravery.

Labelling the character strength gives the person new insight into their action, and expressing appreciation allows the person to feel that their character strengths matter (Niemiec, 2018).

Quick tip: try this activity for a few days and watch how positively people respond to you.

APPLYING YOUR STRENGTHS IN NEW WAYS ENHANCES LIFE SATISFACTION

It’s easy to get comfortable in a familiar routine. Sometimes trying new things can seem difficult or overwhelming. But according to Science, people who find new ways to use their strengths throughout their day are happier and less depressed (Seligman, et al. 2005).

Using your best qualities in novel ways allows you to discover different parts of yourself and what you are capable of. Not only does it boost confidence and courage, but it also creates new memories to reflect on and savour.

START WITH WHAT'S STRONG, NOT WHAT'S WRONG

The power is within you. You can choose to look at negatives and weaknesses or you can focus on your Strengths. And the best part is that you can start now!