Zest is one of the four character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Courage.

Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity.

What is zest? 

Zest means approaching a situation, or life in general, with excitement and energy, not approaching tasks or activities halfway or half-heartedly. 

People who are high in zest are excited to get up in the morning, and they live their lives like an adventure. Zest is a dynamic strength that is directly related to physical and psychological wellness. 

This strength has the strongest ties to overall life satisfaction and a life of engagement.

Why is zest of value?

• Zest helps you feel alive in both body and mind.
• Zest draws other people in, providing opportunities for developing fun and meaningful relationships.
• Zest allows for a fuller expression of abilities, skills and talents.

A couple of questions to consider

• What conditions (people, places or activities) bring out your zest?
• How does the energy level of others influence the expression of your enthusiasm or zest and how does your energy level impact others?

Some things that you can do to practise zest

• In one of your close relationships, spot a character strength in action and express enthusiasm and appreciation for that person’s strength.
• Think of ways of making an assignment or task exciting and engaging before you undertake it. 
• Name a positive character quality that you see in yourself and take a moment to savour it. Allow yourself to feel excited about how important this quality is to you. 

For more information on the strength of zest, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/zest

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)

Self-regulation is one of the four character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Temperance.

Temperance describes strengths that help you manage habits and protect against excess.

What is self-regulation?

Self-regulation is a complex character strength. It has to do with controlling your appetites and emotions and regulating what you do. 

Those high in self-regulation have a good level of confidence in their belief that they can be effective in what they pursue and are likely to achieve their goals. They are admired for their ability to control their reactions to disappointment and insecurities. 

Self-regulation helps keep a sense of balance, order, and progress in life. 

Self-regulation can be viewed as a resource that can be depleted and fatigued. A useful metaphor can be that self-regulation acts like a muscle, which can be exhausted through over-exertion or strengthened through regular practice.

Why is self-regulation of value?

• People skilled at self-regulation are in charge of their emotions rather than the other way round.
• Self-regulation is linked with better personal adjustment such as having a greater sense of self-acceptance and self-esteem in relationships.
• Self-regulation helps in the prevention and management of addictions.

A couple of questions to consider

• How does self-regulation play a role in your greatest successes in life?
• What areas of your life would be improved if you applied greater self-regulation?

Some things that you can do to practise self-regulation

• Try a new approach to sticking with an exercise or walking routine and involve one of your close relationships in the discipline.
• Make a to do list for a community-oriented event, come up with an action plan and begin to carry it out. 
• Take notice of your posture throughout the day. When you notice yourself slouching or sitting uncomfortably or displaying poor posture, balance yourself by straightening up.

For more information on the strength of self-regulation, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character…/self-regulation

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)

Creativity is one of the five character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Wisdom.

Wisdom describes strengths that help you gather and use knowledge. 

What is creativity?

Creativity is thinking of new ways to do things. 

There are two essential components to creativity – originality and adaptiveness. A creative individual generates ideas or behaviours that are novel or unusual and these make a positive contribution to the individual’s life or the lives of others in a group.

It can be big – like the great artists and scientists and poets and film makers.

It can also be small – like just deciding to try something different – a tweak on a recipe or a different route for your walk or your drive home or learning something new.

Why is creativity of value?

• Creativity helps in promoting divergent thinking, thinking about many ways to solve a problem.
• Creativity helps you to resolve practical problems, especially when you begin thinking in new ways about the causes and consequences of everyday life events.
• Creativity helps to inspire and motivate followers and can help you to become a better leader.

A couple of questions to consider

• What does creativity mean to you and how does that play out in your life?
• How do you use creativity to help solve your own life problems or those of your family, friends and colleagues?

Some things that you can do to practise creativity

• Explore a creative solution to a life difficulty or challenge that’s expressed by a family member or friend.
• Prioritise creativity at work. Set aside a few minutes each day for “creativity time” where you can reflect, think and learn.
• Share your thoughts on this post in the comments section describing how you use creativity or how you have observed the practice of creativity in others.

For more information on the strength of Creativity, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths/creativity

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)