The Power of Character Strengths_ Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality

What it’s about

Drawing on the VIA Classification developed by 55 scientists and over 500 studies, Ryan Niemiec and Robert McGrath offer the first consumer-friendly handbook to the 24 character strengths that make up the positive core of human personality. Rather than fixating on faults and flaws, the book teaches readers to spot strengths in others, discover their own signature strengths via the free VIA Survey, and apply those strengths in balanced, optimal ways to amplify the positive and navigate life's challenges. Each of the 24 strengths is explored through a What-Why-How structure, complete with research benefits, everyday stories, concrete activities, and guidance on finding the 'golden mean' between overuse and underuse. The book culminates in a four-week Strengths Builder program that turns insight into sustainable habit, making it an indispensable resource for anyone seeking greater well-being, stronger relationships, and a more flourishing life.

The through-line

Who it’s for

A person who senses they have untapped potential and wants to understand what is best within themselves in order to live a more fulfilling, connected, and meaningful life.

The problem

They go through the motions, feel disengaged at work and in relationships, and lack a clear language or method for accessing and using their best qualities. They feel down, disconnected, overly self-critical, and uncertain about who they really are at their core.

The plan

1. Take the free VIA Survey to discover your ranked profile of 24 character strengths.
2. Learn the what, why, and how of each strength, focusing first on your signature strengths.
3. Practice strengths-spotting and appreciating strengths in others.
4. Use and expand your signature strengths in new ways across relationships, work, and community.
5. Apply your strengths to life challenges and find the golden mean between overuse and underuse.

The payoff

You feel energized, purposeful, and authentically yourself, having 'taken your life back.' · Your relationships deepen as you notice, appreciate, and inspire strengths in others. · You navigate stress, conflict, and adversity with resilience and balance.

See our guide

• Understand Human Behavior From The Foundational Canon →
• The Four-S Discipline — One System, Four Capabilities →
• Study People And Organizations With Scientific Rigor →
• Deal With Burnout, Stress And Turnover →
• Motivate People Without Bribing Them →
• Build A Team People Speak Up In →

Related profiles we’ve built

• A Theory of Human Motivation →
• Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion →
• Invisible Influence_ The Hidden Forces that Shape Behavior →
• Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade →
• Predictably Irrational, Revised and Expanded Edition →
• The basic principle of people analytics learn how to use hr data to drive better outcomes for your business and employees →
• Handbook of Regression Modeling in People Analytics →
• An Everyone Culture: Becoming a Deliberately Developmental Organization →

Additional reading

• Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification · Christopher Peterson and Martin Seligman

  Cited as the original, 800-page scholarly text that established the VIA Classification, providing the scientific foundation for the book's concepts.

• Character Strengths Interventions: A Field-Guide for Practitioners · Ryan Niemiec

  A practical guide by one of the book's authors, offering detailed models, tools, and nearly 100 handouts for professionals applying character strengths work.

• Mindset · Carol Dweck

  Recommended under the 'Perseverance' character strength, this book explores concepts of fixed and growth mindsets, which are central to overcoming obstacles.

• Willpower · Roy Baumeister and John Tierney

  Recommended for the 'Self-Regulation' strength, it delves into the science of self-control and how it functions like a muscle, which is a key concept for this strength.

• Thanks! · Robert Emmons

  Suggested for the 'Gratitude' strength, this book explores the science and practice of gratitude from a leading researcher on the topic.

• Curious? · Todd Kashdan

  Recommended reading for the 'Curiosity' strength, exploring how embracing uncertainty and interest can improve one's life.

• Self-Compassion · Kristin Neff

  Recommended for the 'Kindness' strength, focusing on the importance of turning kindness inward, a concept the book also emphasizes.

• The Gifts of Imperfection · Brené Brown

  Listed under 'Honesty/Authenticity,' this book's themes align with the concept of living genuinely and being true to oneself.

Featured in these guides

• Understand Human Behavior From The Foundational Canon →Cited source
• Deal With Burnout, Stress And Turnover →Cited source
• Motivate People Without Bribing Them →Cited source
• Study People And Organizations With Scientific Rigor →Cited source
• Build A Team People Speak Up In →Cited source