With the holidays round the corner, here’s a great article from VIA Institute of Character…
What’s one of the best things about the VIA Survey?
I’ll tell you.
It does not measure weaknesses.
Yes, it’s true that your signature strengths, those at the top of your profile (sign in to see your profile), may come most naturally to you, but you have the capacity to express and boost all 24.
Why is this so important?
Because with the holiday season on the horizon there are 3 character strengths that you can use (no matter where they fall in your profile) to make the holidays less stressful and more enjoyable.
To learn more about boosting your character strengths get your personalized in-depth VIA Reports. By completing the VIA Survey you have already provided the information needed to generate your Character Strengths Reports, you just need to sign in here to get them!
3 magical character strengths to use this holiday season…
1. Avoid Overspending with Prudence
When shopping for gifts, do you like to browse the stores hoping to find inspiration or do you make a list prior to your trip? If the former, you’re more likely to overspend. Retailers spend billions of dollars on fancy displays and tempting packaging trying to entice you to buy. The longer you peruse, the more likely you’ll spend money on unplanned items. The key is to use your strength of prudence and make a detailed list of the gifts you need to purchase before you hit the stores. Create a plan and a budget and you won’t be drowning in debt as the new year approaches.
2. Avoid Overeating with Self-Regulation
Why does it seem like during the holidays cookies become an acceptable breakfast item? With fun parties to attend and sweet treats everywhere it’s easy to overindulge. The strength of self-regulation deals with your ability to control your appetites and emotions. But, what if that strength is low on your profile? No problem. Dr. Roy Baumeister, leading researcher in the field, has found that self-regulation is like a muscle and can be strengthened. Don’t let the holidays be an excuse to blow your diet— practice saying “no” to food temptations and keep track of what you eat throughout the day. Research shows that starting a daily self-control exercise, like monitoring your food intake, can improve your management of other self-control domains, such as physical exercise, financial management and mood control.
3. Embrace the Season with Gratitude
The benefits of practicing gratitude are so rich that a whole year should be dedicated to this strength. It is one of the strengths most associated with life satisfaction, happiness, achievement, building better relationships and improvements in psychological and physical health. It’s not quite a panacea…but close. The end of the year is a great time to take stock of the goodness in your life. At the end of each day write down a few things that you are grateful for. This simple exercise has been shown to boost happiness and decrease depression for up to 6 months! What better way to make the holidays merry and bright!?
Published by VIA Institute of Character.