Character Strengths Evaluation
A while ago, I took a quiz online that would reveal my strengths and 
weaknesses. It was called the VIA Character Strengths profile test.
Be prepared; it is a rather lengthy test. This post is about the results I got from taking the test.
I enjoy doing creative things because, most often, they reveal a lot about yourself. I will show you what they said were my strengths and then give my opinion on their validity and value because that’s what I do.
This report is what their website says about the test: “Your character strengths are already within you, but isolating and identifying them can be complicated, confusing, and incredibly time-consuming. The VIA Me! Character Strengths Profile is designed to help you quickly discover the strengths you already have and gain more in-depth insight into what makes you who you are. ”
The link to the survey is HERE. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
My overall assessment was that the test is interesting and worth the time to complete. I did not agree with everything, but it is interesting to consider where a test puts your character compared to what you believe in your mind.
Your Top Character Strength
Forgiveness
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.
My thought: It is true, there is no need to carry a grudge. All things happen for a reason. To hold a grievance is belittling to you and stops you from growing and moving forward. This stance was not always the case in my life.
Your Second Character Strength
Curiosity
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
My thought: Since I love trying these types of things to see what will happen and what I can learn, I would have to agree with this. I am curious, and it is a strength. I want to know the answers to questions.
Your Third Character Strength
Fairness
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
My thoughts: Also accurate, I try to leave judgment at the door when making decisions. I don’t care about lifestyle, clothing, religion, or anything else. It is humanity that counts.
Your Fourth Character Strength
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.
My thoughts: I am very grateful for everything. I have, within the last month, but my gratitude journal in writing, and it has helped me a lot. Being thankful for what you have is one of the keys to being happy, I think.
Your Fifth Character Strength
Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit into different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.
My thoughts: Yes, this is true; I can “get along with all different types of people. I enjoy the differences and put their comfort first over my own.
Character Strength #6
Humor
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is essential to you. You try to see the light side of all situations.
My thoughts: Also, a direct hit here. At one time, I think this would have been further up the list, but self-development and growth have moved past this, but I always have and always will like to laugh and make others happy.
Character Strength #7
Zest
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
At one time, I don’t think this was the case, but I think it is moving further up the list. I try to enjoy everything I do. The experience is to be appreciated. Writing this is an experience I will never precisely experience again. Everything is an adventure.
Character Strength #8
Creativity
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.
My thoughts: Moving up the list fast. Earlier in life, I never appreciated the power of creativity. It allows you to reach your soul or authentic self and is enjoyable in every way. Be creative in whatever form you feel moved to create.
Character Strength #9
Honesty
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life genuinely and authentically. You are down to earth, and without pretense, you are a “real” person.
My thought: I think this should be number one since I believe in honesty so much. What you give is what you get.
Character Strength #10
Judgment
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on substantial evidence to make your decisions. You can change your mind.
My thought: Despite what some friends might think, I agree with this because I will change my mind when faced with facts or evidence to the contrary of what I believe. I do not abandon my perspective quickly. Thinking things through is a great definition.
Character Strength #11
Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
My thought: Yes, I do. I see the magic in each talent and interest. Even if I am not all that interested in the subject of someone’s creation, I respect the work. I love blogs, which talk about things I am not interested in, but the beauty of the presentation makes me curious.
Character Strength #12
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere, and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.
I have written about my love of learning and the fact that it is a lifelong process. I don’t think I was an excellent learner until two years ago because I became interested in learning. Learning is cool!
Character Strength #13
Spirituality
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.
My thoughts: More and more every day, I think that my connection with God has never been stronger, and I believe there is some understanding on my part.
Character Strength #14
Perspective
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and yourself.
My thoughts: I think this is true, but only other people can say for sure, I guess.
Character Strength #15
Love
You value close relations with others, in particular, those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.
My thoughts: I think that this is true for everyone.
Character Strength #16
Hope
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the end is something that you can control.
My thought: I do, to some degree, believe this, but I am more resigned to the fact that we are at best only partially in control of what is coming our way in life.
Character Strength #17
Prudence
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent. You do not say or do things that you might later regret.
My Thoughts: I can see why this is further down the list. Like all people, I say some things I later regret.
Character Strength #18
Kindness
You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
My thoughts: Who doesn’t?
Character Strength #19
Teamwork
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group.
My thought: I thought that this would be further up on the list, but who am I to argue. Even though I love the team atmosphere, I enjoy doing my own thing as well. I should apologize to all of those teams I was on. I should have given a better effort. 🙂
Character Strength #20
Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a suitable job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
I also thought this would be closer to the top, but perhaps at one time, it would have. I believe everyone should feel included and has value in the accomplishment of tasks.
Character Strength #21
Self-Regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa.
My thoughts: Sometimes, yes, this has to be monitored by me. I need to practice discipline.
Character Strength #22
Perseverance
You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you “get it out the door” in a timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
My thoughts: I am still writing this. Even at #22, so that is some perseverance right there. I do stick to things and get them done.
Character Strength #23
Bravery
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right, even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
My thoughts: Perhaps this should go higher on the list. I think I have acted pretty bravely in my life. I am doing what is right, even when it was uncomfortable. But you can’t argue with the test.
Character Strength #24
Humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as unique, and others recognize and value your modesty.
My Thoughts: What does it say about my humility if it is the last trait listed in this test. I think I must need to realign my priorities. Being humble is necessary. Perhaps something I need to work on.
