Strengths in Action

We often focus so much on our problems, weaknesses, or what's not working that we forget to ask an essential question:
“What is already strong within me?”

Understanding and using your character strengths is one of the most empowering ways to build confidence, boost motivation, and make meaningful progress toward your goals. That’s where the VIA Character Strengths come in—a set of 24 scientifically studied traits that help people thrive.

In this simple exercise for self-discovery and goal setting, you’ll learn how to use your strengths to better understand yourself and set purposeful goals using a simple, four-step exercise called “Strengths in Action.”

What Are Character Strengths?

Character strengths are the positive parts of your personality—things like kindness, creativity, perseverance, or curiosity—that feel natural and energizing when you use them. According to positive psychology research, the more we intentionally use our strengths, the more engaged, resilient, and fulfilled we tend to feel.

You can take the free VIA Character Strengths Survey here to discover your top strengths.

Strengths in Action: A 4-Step Exercise

Whether you’re setting a new goal, navigating a challenge, or just getting to know yourself better, this simple process can help you activate your strengths with clarity and intention.

Step 1: Identify Your Top Strengths

Take the VIA Survey, or simply review the list of 24 character strengths and choose 3–5 that feel most authentic or energizing to you. Ask yourself:

• “Which strengths show up most often in my life?”

• “When do I feel most like myself?”

Examples include: Gratitude, Humor, Bravery, Teamwork, Perspective, and many more.

Step 2: Reflect on Strengths in Your Past

Once you’ve identified a few strengths, reflect on how you’ve used them before:

• “When was a time I used this strength and felt proud?”

• “How did this strength help me overcome a challenge?”

• “Who benefited from me using this strength?”

Try writing about a time when one of your strengths helped you succeed, connect, or grow.

Step 3: Set a Strengths-Based Goal

Now think about a current goal or challenge in your life. How might one of your top strengths help you move forward?

Here’s a simple planning prompt:

• Top Strength - Strengths in Action

• Goal/Challenge - Strengthen my relationship with my sister

• How Will You Apply the Strength? - Reach out weekly and listen with compassion

• When/Where? - Sundays after dinner

This keeps your goal personal, purposeful, and doable.

Step 4: Reflect and Adjust

At the end of the week, ask yourself:

• “How did it feel to use that strength?”

• “What progress did I make?”

• “What might I try differently next time?”

This builds momentum and reinforces your sense of agency and self-trust.

Bonus Ideas

If you want to deepen the experience, try:

• Strengths Scavenger Hunt: Notice where others are using their strengths and journal about it.

• Strength Swap: Approach a challenge using a different strength than usual. What shifts?

Why This Matters

We spend so much time trying to "fix" ourselves that we often overlook what’s already working. When we build from our strengths, we grow from a foundation of self-acceptance, capability, and purpose.

So next time you’re stuck, instead of asking,

“What’s wrong with me?”
ask:
“What strength can I bring to this?”

You might be surprised how far that one shift can take you.

Contact Bee Blissful today if you would like to work on building your strengths.