Copyright VIA 24 Character Strengths
Maintaining a positive perspective, although tricky to do at times, is possible and it doesn’t have to feel like you are “faking it”. Read on for ways to bring this quality more naturally in your life as a way to support your wellbeing and boost your success.
“Positive Perspective” means that you remain realistically optimistic and view setbacks and challenges as areas to learn and grow. You notice the positive in yourself, others, and the environment. It DOES not mean having an unrealistic or “toxic” positive outlook on all of life, all of the time. But rather, having a perspective that enables one to “keep trying; even when progress is slow or difficult” It’s all about remaining “confident of [one’s] ability to achieve the final outcome and therefore persist in the face of challenges.”
To give this area a boost, bringing intention around developing and applying your strengths can be instrumental in maintaining a positive perspective and belief in oneself.
“People who have the opportunity everyday to do what they do best—to act on their strengths—are far more likely to flourish”
-Barbara Fredickson
Strength Spotting for Success: 3-Step Process
People who can recognize, and pull from, their inherent strengths have the potential to become more resilient and resourceful when faced with adversity.
- Consider an area of your life where you are faced with adversity at times. It could be with your academics, relationships, health or anything else that causes difficulty from time-to-time.
- Take stock of what you do well in this area of your life — Instead of focusing on just the challenges this area of your life brings, bring attention to the positive aspects it inspires in you. Are you a proactive student? Do you keep trying even when things get hard? Are you a good listener when a friend is in need? Loyal to your family? Do you advocate for yourself? Make a list of all the things that you are proud of in relation to this.
- Notice the strengths that came up with this reflection and visualize where you can act on your strengths more regularly, particularly around difficulty. Remind yourself that you are stronger than you may realize and that you have some pretty spectacular strengths to pull from.