What Are the 24 Character Strengths? Discover Your Superpowers

As champion boxer Muhammad Ali once said, “I've never let anyone talk me into not believing in myself.” Having a source of power to draw on when things get rough and to propel us forward toward our goals can make all the difference. But where do we find this strength?

The great news is, we already have it! Deep within each one of us lies an arsenal of character strengths — 24 of them, to be exact — that can catapult us towards a life brimming with positive energy, accomplishments, and well-being. We aren’t talking about being able to fly or read minds, but rather the innate qualities that make us who we are. So ready to uncover your inner strengths?

A Positive Psychology Project

In the world of positive psychology, researchers over the last century have been working to identify the core character strengths that are universally valued. Through extensive research across cultures, they pinpointed 24 character strengths. These aren’t just abstract concepts — they’re ingrained in our DNA, defining our personalities, guiding our behaviors, and shaping our interactions.

A Glimpse Into the Past: The History of the 24 Character Strengths

To truly appreciate the significance of these 24 character strengths, it's helpful to know where they come from. 

Our story begins in the late 20th century, with the rise of positive psychology. While traditional psychology often zoomed in on disorders and abnormalities, positive psychology took a fresh approach — focusing on the positive aspects of human life and what makes life worth living. 

Psychologist Martin Seligman, known as the father of positive psychology, led the charge. Seligman and his colleague Christopher Peterson embarked on a mission to explore virtues and strengths that were valued across cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions. They sifted through a vast array of literature, including ancient texts like the Bhagavad Gita, the Bible, the Tao Te Ching, and Aristotle's works.

Their goal? To pinpoint universal virtues celebrated as the essence of good character across cultures and individual differences. From this extensive study, Seligman and Peterson identified six core virtues:

• Wisdom. The capacity to gain and use knowledge for insightful understanding and good decisions.

• Courage. The inner strength to face challenges, persevere, and act in line with one's beliefs despite fear or difficulty.

• Humanity. The ability to forge deep connections by showing compassion and kindness to oneself and others.

• Justice. The commitment to ensuring fairness, building harmonious communities, and working collaboratively.

• Temperance. The cultivation of moderation and balance that fosters self-control and conscious choices.

• Transcendence. The inclination to connect with the larger universe, drawing meaning and inspiration from moments of awe and hope.

The Fabulous 24 

To make these broad categories of virtues tangible and actionable, Seligman and Peterson then identified a set of character strengths underpinning each one. These strengths were more specific, measurable traits that people could relate to and cultivate. The list of 24 character strengths was born!

The introduction of these 24 character strengths did more than just offer a list — it transformed how we approach personal growth. With a structured way to recognize, measure, and develop these strengths, professionals and regular folks alike now had a science-backed roadmap to foster well-being and resilience.

Over time, these strengths have found their way into various realms, from education to business, counseling, and personal development. Let’s explore them in more detail!

1. Wisdom Across the Ages (Character Strengths 1-5)

Ah, wisdom. Often illustrated as an elderly sage atop a mountain or a librarian surrounded by dusty old books, wisdom isn't just about age or profound proverbs. It's dynamic, multifaceted, and — best of all — accessible to all of us.

Wisdom, as a virtue, is like a prism reflecting different colors. Within the framework of the 24 character strengths, it broadens into several distinctive components:

1. Creativity. More than just art and poetry, creativity is about bringing innovation to our everyday lives. It could refer to the way we solve daily problems, reflect on our days in a journal, respond to music, or even organize our kitchen.

2. Curiosity. You know that little voice in your head asking, "Why is that so?" or "How does that work?" Curiosity fuels exploration, driving us to learn and understand more about the world and our place in it.

3. Judgment. This one isn’t about being judgmental — it’s about critically evaluating situations and considering all angles before making a decision. It’s the voice of reason that weighs evidence before leaping to conclusions.

4. Love of learning. Whether it's picking up a new hobby, diving into a gripping book, or exploring a fresh skill online, a genuine love for learning keeps our brains buzzing and spirits high.
5. Perspective. Beyond the immediate, perspective allows us to view life from a broader lens, understanding diverse viewpoints and recognizing the larger context of events.

Wisdom and the Alcohol Journey: Perfect Companions

Harnessing wisdom can be especially beneficial for those navigating their relationship with alcohol. Here's how:

• Decision making. Wisdom helps us make choices rooted in self-awareness. Recognizing patterns and triggers becomes easier as we use these insights to build strategies.
• Adaptability. Roadblocks are inevitable. However, with a creative and curious mindset, we can adapt, finding alternate routes when the initial plan doesn’t pan out.
• Resilience. The journey isn't always a straight line! Wisdom, with its blend of perspective and judgment, helps us bounce back in moments of doubt, draw lessons from each experience, and move forward with renewed determination.

Embracing Our Inner Sage

By nurturing our curiosity, sparking creativity, making informed decisions, embracing new learnings, and keeping a holistic perspective, we can enrich our everyday experiences:

1. Keep learning. Engage in continuing education, whether that's formal schooling, online courses, or simply reading broadly.

2. Reflect on experiences. Spend time pondering your past decisions, outcomes, and the lessons they provided. This introspection often paves the way for deeper insights.

3. Seek mentorship. Find someone you admire for their wisdom and ask for guidance. Learning from their experiences can offer invaluable insights.

4. Listen actively. Truly listen when others speak, seeking to understand their perspective deeply before formulating a response.

5. Practice open-mindedness. Challenge your own beliefs and biases, and engage with diverse views and opinions to understand them.

6. Ask questions. Instead of always seeking to provide answers, ask questions to cultivate a curious mind and gain deeper understanding.

7. Embrace uncertainty. It’s okay not to have all the answers! Sometimes, wisdom is recognizing the vastness of what we don't know.

8. Meditate. Mindfulness and meditation practices can help enhance self-awareness and perspective — both key components of wisdom.

9. Engage in meaningful conversations. Instead of always sticking to light topics, delve deeper. Discuss philosophies, life experiences, and moral dilemmas.

10. Read widely and deeply. Expand your knowledge base by reading books, articles, and other materials on various topics, especially those that challenge your current beliefs.

2. Courage Unveiled (Character Strengths 6-9)

When we think of courage, we might picture knights in shining armor or superheroes saving the day. However, courage isn't just about making grand gestures or facing gargantuan foes — it's the quiet resolve, the tiny steps forward, and the decisions that shape our everyday lives. 

Peel back the layers of courage, and you'll find it's not a one-size-fits-all trait. Within the framework of the 24 character strengths, courage manifests in various forms:

1. Bravery. Bravery isn’t just about facing physical danger — it’s also about standing up for what's right, speaking out against injustices, and defending our beliefs even when doing so is uncomfortable.
2. Persistence. Persistence is the relentless spirit that pushes us to finish what we started, even when the going gets tough. It's the grit and grind that uses challenges as stepping stones.
3. Integrity. Integrity is all about being authentic, true to oneself, and honest when no one's watching. It's about aligning actions with values, ensuring that the inner compass points at true north.
4. Vitality. Vitality is the spark that keeps us going as we embrace life with enthusiasm and zest, even amid adversities. 

Courage and the Alcohol Journey

When navigating the intricate path of alcohol moderation or cessation, courage becomes a silent yet formidable ally. Here’s how it plays out:

• Bravery in choices. Deciding to moderate or quit alcohol requires immense bravery. It means acknowledging a challenge and taking proactive steps, even in the face of societal pressures or personal doubts.
• Persistence pays off. The alcohol journey tests our persistence. Each day without a drink, every social event attended with clarity, showcases the undying spirit to stick to the commitment.
• Integrity in reflection. It requires integrity to honestly assess our relationship with alcohol. By being true to ourselves, recognizing our patterns, and accepting our vulnerabilities, we pave the way for genuine change.
• Vitality in vision. Embracing the journey with vitality means focusing on the positive changes it brings — enhanced health, improved relationships, clearer thinking, and a rejuvenated spirit.

Courage, in the context of everyday life, is about our silent battles, our choices, and our resilience. For those on the alcohol journey, courage is the wind beneath the wings, propelling forward motion. 

Cultivating Courage

Cultivating courage is about nurturing the inner strength to face challenges head-on. Here are some concrete ways to foster courage in yourself:

1. Face your fears. Start small. Address a fear or discomfort directly, whether it's speaking up in a meeting or trying a new activity.

2. Set clear goals. Knowing what you're aiming for can give you the drive to overcome obstacles. Outline your goals and the steps needed to achieve them.

3. Educate yourself. The unknown can be intimidating. By educating yourself about your fears, you demystify them and can approach them more rationally.

4. Embrace failure. Failures are learning opportunities! Remember, every setback teaches you something valuable.

5. Practice assertiveness. Stand up for your beliefs and values, even if they're unpopular or might meet resistance.

6. Seek out challenges. Actively place yourself in situations that test your limits or take you out of your comfort zone.

7. Build a support system. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family. Their encouragement can be a source of strength when courage wanes.

8. Reflect on past triumphs. Think about times you've shown courage in the past. Use these memories as a foundation and reminder of your capability.

9. Reframe negative thoughts. When doubt or fear creeps in, reframe those thoughts into positive affirmations or actionable steps.

10. Physical training. Activities such as martial arts, hiking, or fitness training build physical resilience, which often translates to mental courage.

11. Limit exposure to naysayers. While it's essential to have constructive critics, consistently negative or discouraging influences can sap your courage.

12. Read about heroes. Dive into biographies or stories of people who've exhibited great courage. Their journeys can inspire and offer valuable insights.

3. Humanity: Where Heart Meets Action (Character Strengths 10-12)

As a core virtue, humanity reflects our innate need to bond, empathize, and be there for one another. Humanity isn't merely about being human — it's about resonating humaneness:

• Love. Beyond the ballads, love is the language of the heart. It's the bond that ties us to our loved ones, the gentle nudge that makes us care, and the force that keeps us grounded.
• Kindness. Ever felt the warmth from a random act of kindness? That's humanity in action. Offering a comforting word, lending a listening ear, or just being present — kindness harmonizes our world.
• Social intelligence. Not just about witty conversations, social intelligence is the art of "reading the room," understanding emotions, and navigating social waters with grace. It's about recognizing unspoken words and resonating with others' vibes.

Humanity and the Alcohol Journey: The Power of Compassionate Connections

Embarking on the journey of understanding, moderating, or abstaining from alcohol is deeply personal, yet intertwined with our social fabric. This is where the essence of humanity steps in:

• Love's embrace. The journey with alcohol can stir a cauldron of emotions ranging from determination to doubt. Love, whether self-love or from a support system, acts as a protective embrace, offering both solace and strength.
• Kindness matters. Being kind to ourselves is pivotal. Kindness ensures self-compassion during missteps and celebrates the milestones, no matter how tiny. Further, extending kindness to others on similar paths creates a nurturing community.
• Tapping into social intelligence. Understanding and maneuvering social situations where alcohol is central can be challenging. Social intelligence aids in decoding peer pressures, articulating personal choices with empathy, and maintaining connections without compromising one's journey.

“Being Human”

In the maze of life, humanity acts as our compass. It underscores the importance of connections, empathy, and understanding. Celebrating humanity ensures we're never truly alone:

1. ​​Active listening. When someone speaks, give them your full attention. This means putting away distractions and listening to understand, not just to respond.

2. Offer genuine compliments. Recognize and appreciate the good in others. A sincere compliment can go a long way in forging connections!

3. Practice empathy. Put yourself in another's shoes and try to understand their feelings, perspectives, and experiences.

4. Volunteer. Spend time helping others in your community. This not only aids those in need but strengthens your bond with fellow humans.

5. Cultivate kindness. Perform random acts of kindness without expecting anything in return. This can be as simple as holding the door for someone or paying for a stranger's coffee.

6. Deepen your relationships. Invest time in strengthening your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Sharing experiences, vulnerabilities, and joys can enhance human connections.

7. Express gratitude. Regularly tell people in your life that you appreciate them. This could be through words, notes, or small gestures.

8. Engage in group activities. Join clubs, groups, or organizations that align with your interests. Shared experiences foster human connections.

9. Practice mindfulness and meditation. These techniques enhance self-awareness, which in turn helps you connect better with others.

10. Seek feedback. Ask trusted individuals for feedback on how you relate to others. This can provide valuable insights on areas to improve.

11. Limit technology at social times. When spending time with friends or family, minimize screen time to be more present and engaged.

12. Share stories. Sharing personal stories, experiences, and memories can bridge gaps and create a sense of unity and understanding.

4. Justice in the Spotlight (Character Strengths 13-15)

Justice goes beyond gavels and courtrooms — it’s the essence of fairness, teamwork, and leadership, and it’s all about ensuring everyone gets a fair shake at life. In the broader spectrum of the 24 character strengths, justice is multifaceted:

1. Fairness. Fairness isn’t just about playing by the rules; it’s about ensuring everyone gets an equal shot. It allows us to stand up against bias, prejudice, and favoritism, ensuring balance in our actions and decisions.
2. Teamwork. Going beyond individual pursuits, teamwork celebrates collective goals. It’s the spirit of camaraderie, understanding each member's role while ensuring harmony in collective pursuits.
3. Leadership. More than just leading the charge, leadership is about guiding with empathy, understanding team dynamics, and making sure everyone's voice is heard and respected.

Justice and the Alcohol Journey: Fair Play in Personal Battles

When someone decides to navigate their relationship with alcohol, justice plays an essential role. Here’s how:

• Fairness in self-assessment. Recognizing our relationship with alcohol requires a fair introspection. It's about being honest without being overly critical and understanding the reasons behind our choices.
• Teamwork in support systems. Whether it’s relying on friends, family, or support groups, the journey with alcohol is about valuing the collective effort. Recognizing that everyone’s path is unique yet connected allows for mutual support and understanding.
• Leadership in personal commitments. Taking charge of our path, setting clear boundaries, and leading our own journey with determination and clarity is pivotal. Additionally, by sharing personal stories and experiences, we can lead and inspire others on similar paths, cultivating a shared sense of purpose.

Justice in Action

Embracing justice sets us up for success in our personal battles while making strides toward overall harmony: 

1. Stay informed. Educate yourself about social issues, laws, and rights. The more you know, the better equipped you'll be to spot and address injustices. Then, share your knowledge about justice with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness.

2. Practice active citizenship. Vote, participate in community meetings, or join local councils to be part of the decision-making processes that shape your community.

3. Stand up against injustice. If you witness unfair treatment or discrimination, voice your concerns, and take appropriate actions.

4. Volunteer. Contribute your time to organizations that work towards creating a fair and just society.

5. Practice fairness. In your everyday life, ensure that you treat everyone fairly, at home, at work, or in the community.

6. Engage in open dialogues. Encourage discussions on justice and equality. Open dialogues can shed light on biases and pave the way for understanding and change.

7. Support fair trade. Choose products and services that prioritize ethical practices, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and paid justly.

8. Foster inclusive environments. Whether at work or in social situations, promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinions and participate fully.

9. Reflect on personal biases. We all have biases. Acknowledging and addressing them is crucial in cultivating justice.

10. Collaborate. Team up with others to tackle larger issues. There's strength in numbers, and collaborative efforts can lead to meaningful change.

5. Temperance: Finding Balance (Character Strengths 16-19)

When you hear the term “temperance,” do you think of restraint, a middle ground, or moderation? You're on the right track. Temperance is all about balance. It's the art of not going overboard, yet not holding back too much. Let's understand its facets within the framework of the 24 character strengths:

1. Forgiveness. It’s the grace of letting go of grudges, understanding human fallibility, and choosing peace over prolonged anger.
2. Humility. Humility is about recognizing one's worth without flaunting it. It comes from understanding that while we play a part in the grand scheme of life, the entire picture is always bigger.
3. Prudence. Think of prudence as life's GPS. It helps us make careful decisions, ensuring we consider the consequences and navigate life's twists and turns with caution.
4. Self-regulation. Self-regulation is our inner thermostat — it helps manage our emotions, desires, and actions, making sure we react and act in a balanced manner.

Temperance and the Alcohol Journey: Walking the Middle Path

When someone embarks on a journey of understanding, reducing, or abstaining from alcohol, temperance becomes their trusted companion. Let’s explore this link:

• The healing power of forgiveness. Mistakes, relapses, or misjudgments might happen. Embracing forgiveness, especially self-forgiveness, paves the way for healing and progress on the alcohol journey.
• Humility in learning. Recognizing that we don’t have all the answers, seeking guidance when needed, and understanding that everyone’s journey with alcohol is unique are all essential for growth and perspective.
• Prudence in choices. Making decisions about alcohol requires foresight. Prudence guides in evaluating situations, understanding triggers, and making decisions that align with long-term well-being.
• Self-regulation for balance. Managing cravings, understanding our limits, and setting boundaries are all essential elements of the alcohol journey. Self-regulation ensures that these are approached with balance and care — neither too strict nor too lax.

Celebrating Balanced Living

Temperance, as a virtue, is a gentle reminder of the beauty of balance. Whether it's our relationship with alcohol or any other aspect of life, that sweet spot of moderation makes the journey smoother and more fulfilling:

1. Self-awareness practices. Engage in introspective activities like journaling or meditation to better understand your triggers and reactions.

2. Set clear boundaries. Define your limits in various aspects of your life (like work, social media consumption, or personal interactions), and stick to them.

3. Mindful consumption. This can refer to food, entertainment, or even shopping. Pause before indulging, and ask yourself if it's necessary and if it aligns with your goals.

4. Seek balance. Aim for a balanced lifestyle that incorporates work, relaxation, social time, and personal growth.

5. Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise is not only great for physical health but also helps us achieve mental balance and develop discipline.

6. Limit stimulants and depressants. Cutting back on or monitoring the intake of substances like caffeine, alcohol, and sugar can promote temperance.

7. Create a routine. A structured day or week can help limit excessive behaviors and promote balance.

8. Practice patience. When faced with a challenging situation, take a deep breath and give yourself time to react calmly and rationally.

9. Set realistic expectations. This pertains to what you expect from yourself and others, ensuring you're not setting yourself up for frustrations and impulsive reactions.

10. Engage in positive affirmations. Remind yourself of the benefits of a temperate life through regular affirmations that reinforce the value of balance and self-control.

6. Transcendence: Beyond the Ordinary (Character Strengths 20-24)

Have you ever had a moment when the world seemed bigger, brighter, and more magnificent than usual? That’s transcendence: reaching beyond the ordinary and tapping into the extraordinary. 

While the word might sound lofty, don’t let it intimidate you — transcendence is grounded in everyday experiences that elevate our spirits:

1. Appreciation of beauty and excellence. The awe we feel watching a sunset, the admiration for a well-composed piece of music, or the inspiration from acts of kindness — it's all about recognizing and cherishing the beauty and brilliance around us.
2. Gratitude. More than just a “thank you,” it’s the profound acknowledgment of the good in our lives, appreciating both the big and the tiny blessings.
3. Hope. It's the beacon of light during stormy times, an unwavering belief that the future holds positivity and better days.
4. Humor. Not just about cracking jokes, humor is the ability to see the lighter side of life, laugh at life's quirks and our own, and spread joy.
5. Spirituality. It's the sense of connection to something bigger, whether tied to religious beliefs, personal values, or the understanding that there's a grander scheme of things.

Transcendence and the Alcohol Journey: Elevating Perspectives

For those navigating their relationship with alcohol, transcendence offers tools that can elevate, inspire, and support. Here's how:

• Appreciating moments of clarity. Recognizing moments of sobriety as beautiful and valuable can be a game-changer. It allows us to cherish clear thoughts, stable emotions, and the genuine beauty of life without the haze of alcohol.
• Gratitude for progress. Every step in the right direction deserves gratitude. This positive acknowledgment reinforces commitment and celebrates every victory, no matter how tiny.
• Holding onto hope. The road might have its bumps, but hope ensures resilience and keeps discouragement at bay.
• Harnessing humor. It's okay to chuckle at our missteps or find humor in challenges! It lightens the mood, reduces stress, and offers a fresh perspective on the journey.
• Spiritual anchoring. For many people, spirituality offers solace and purpose. It provides a framework to understand their relationship with alcohol, seek strength from a higher source, and find deeper meanings in their journey.

Soaring to Greater Heights With Transcendence

Transcendence is like a breath of fresh air — invigorating and expansive. Here’s how we can cultivate it:

1. Immerse yourself in nature. Spend time outdoors, whether it's hiking, walking by the beach, or simply sitting in a park. Nature has a way of evoking awe and wonder.

2. Practice meditation and mindfulness. Practices like transcendental meditation or guided visualizations can help you tap into a more profound sense of self and the universe.

3. Engage with art and music. Whether you're creating or simply appreciating, artistic endeavors can evoke deep emotional responses and a sense of connection to something greater.

4. Seek out awe-inspiring experiences. Attend events, visit places, or engage in activities that leave you in awe, like visiting a planetarium, watching a sunrise, or seeing a magnificent architectural feat.

5. Practice gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a moment daily to acknowledge and appreciate the wonders in your life can elevate your spirit.

6. Help others. Acts of kindness, volunteering, or mentorship can create a profound sense of purpose and connection to the broader human experience.

7. Read widely. Delve into philosophy, spirituality, or even cosmology. Exploring big ideas and universal truths can cultivate a sense of transcendence.

8. Join a group with a shared purpose. Being a part of organizations or groups with shared objectives, especially those aimed at betterment or understanding, can help nurture transcendental feelings.

9. Engage in deep conversations. Discussing meaningful topics, existential questions, or personal dreams and aspirations can heighten feelings of interconnectedness and understanding.

10. Practice yoga. Beyond the physical postures, yoga philosophies and practices such as pranayama (breath control) can help you connect with a deeper sense of self and the universe.

11. Start a dream journal. Paying attention to and recording your dreams can be a gateway to understanding your subconscious and feeling connected to larger narratives and symbols.

Harness the 24 Character Strengths

And now, here are some general tips for tapping into your character strengths:

• Strengths journal. Dedicate a notebook to jot down moments when you felt a character strength shone within you. Did your curiosity help you discover a new hobby? Write it down!
• Strengths buddy system. Pair up with a friend and become each other’s strengths-spotter. It’s a fun way to recognize and appreciate strengths you might overlook in yourself.
• Daily strengths challenge. Set a daily challenge to exercise a particular strength. It could be as simple as telling a joke (humor) or trying a new recipe (creativity).
• Mindful moments. Throughout the day, take mini-breaks to self-reflect. Which strengths did you use today? Which could you use more of tomorrow?
• Strengths in stories. Delve into books or films where the protagonist embodies a particular strength. This offers a fresh perspective on how strengths manifest in different scenarios.
• Strengths vision board. Create a visual representation of your strengths. Use pictures, quotes, and anything else that resonates. Place it where you can see it daily.

Concluding Super-Thoughts

Character strengths are the threads that weave the fabric of our being. While we all possess these strengths, the unique blend and intensity vary from person to person. By consciously recognizing, nurturing, and applying these strengths, we can elevate our experiences and lead a more enriched, fulfilling life. So why wait? Dive into your strengths today and uncover the superhuman within!

Every time you harness a strength, you’re not just boosting yourself: you’re also lighting up the world around you with positivity. Go on, embrace that superhero magic!