Discover Your Abilities Using Positive Psychology

Napoleon Hill said that “strength and growth are obtained only through continuous effort and struggle”. We could find various ways to grow through constant work if we accept this theme as valid. In this article we will talk about growth based on positive psychology.

In one way or another, if we want to give the best of ourselves, it is obvious that we must strive: to give the best means to walk towards our limits. We need to think of ourselves as small worlds with unique characteristics that define us as people. However, this does not mean that we cannot find the tools that allow us to grow, as in the case of positive psychology.

In this sense, we could identify several relevant factors. We have already talked about the effort, essential for growth. However, we also need to make use of learning. And, finally, genetics is important, because not all of us start from the same basis, since everyone has received a biological inheritance from their ancestors.

Use positive psychology to grow

Well, if we want to discover our best abilities, which will be related to the key factors already mentioned, is positive psychology really useful? How should we use it to grow?

The time has come to name real experts in this field: psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson. They both worked hard to answer a question: How can we plan happier and more positive horizons by using our skills?

It is important to remember that Peterson and Seligman established positive psychology as a formula for focusing attention on what we can improve. That is to say, they push us to focus on what can make us happier and fuller. For this reason, both professors reflect on the characteristics and traits that allow us to find and enhance our potential. Through this pursuit, we can achieve a more satisfying life.

Discover the best of you

As we have said, each person has genuine strengths that make them unique. We are also gifted with a unique combination of weaknesses, of course. In the wise balance of both, then, by reinforcing the positives and minimizing the negatives, we can discover our best abilities to be happier, more productive and full as unique individuals.

For Seligman and Peterson, there are 24 essential strengths. All of these help us to increase the feeling of satisfaction, control, productivity and happiness in daily life.

In this case, psychologists raise motivation to learn and creativity as essential. Even curiosity, courage and the ability to analyze every aspect through the right perspective. Other strengths are perseverance, enthusiasm and honesty.

We cannot forget, however, intelligence and social responsibility, kindness and the ability to work as a team. It is good to have a sense of justice, humility and good skills as a leader. Also, being cautious, having self-control, and being able to forgive, as well as appreciate beauty, is good. Finally, develop and cultivate gratitude, spirituality, optimism and irony.

Master your strengths

If you want to enhance your best skills, you have to master your strengths. Through the use of positive psychology, which involves the pursuit of happiness and wholeness, you can identify your virtues.

Logically, find the virtues, you will have to enhance them to the maximum. On the path you take you will need to reduce your weaknesses and work to improve some of your less developed strengths.

With the right motivation and effort, you will take a step in the right direction every day. It is important not to lose your rhythm or strength at any time. The results will come little by little, so it is essential not to give up.

We could say that everything in our life focuses on the pursuit of happiness. Sometimes we get it wrong and we confuse the rhythm. However, positive psychology can be a great tool to make us better, fuller and happier people. Why not practice this technique? We have nothing to lose.