When was the last time you were so absorbed in something that you lost track of time? When we utilize our strengths, we engage with the world in a meaningful way. Strengths are the super high-speed connection our brains have to the world.

Scientists have identified 24 strengths that are present in humans across time and culture.  Each person has 5 top strengths. The strengths are divided into six major categories: Transcendence, wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, and temperance. In the coming weeks, we will examine each category separately.

I will be sharing a website assessment and/or handouts to help you identify your strengths. The best part of this exercise is learning to identify strengths in others. Strengths-based teams are more engaged and effective; this is true for any group with a common mission. This week, the handout is a full list of the 24 strengths to get you warmed up for the next several weeks. If you have 20 minutes, I highly recommend the free, online assessment with Values in Action.

NOTE: I want to give full acknowledgement to the Values in Action Institute on Character Strengths for developing the online VIA Strengths Testing and the related handout that I am using this week. I was honored to personally know the late Dr Christopher Peterson, who was a primary researcher in identifying the 24 human strengths. He continues to influence my life everyday.