{"id":207008,"date":"2020-11-10T21:30:00","date_gmt":"2020-11-10T21:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/strengthbasedliving.com\/?p=207008"},"modified":"2021-05-05T16:49:37","modified_gmt":"2021-05-05T16:49:37","slug":"experiment-with-strengths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.strengthbasedliving.com\/strengthbasedliving.com\/putting-strengths-into-action\/experiment-with-strengths\/","title":{"rendered":"Experiment with Strengths"},"content":{"rendered":"

With everything going on in the US and around the world, one thing has become crystal clear to me: our character strengths are more essential than ever before.<\/p>\n

Can you imagine what daily life might be like if each of us, including world leaders and politicians, consistently elevated his or her\u00a0signature strengths<\/a>? Especially in the most contentious of times? Based on decades of research, I can realistically imagine creative problem solving, collaboration, more physical and mental health, meaning, and joy \u2013 the things many of us need more of right now.<\/p>\n

The practice below focuses on one slice of this big, complex pie. It highlights a recent\u00a0article by strengths experts<\/a>\u00a0Tayyab Rashid and Robert E. McGrath. It describes at length how character strengths can enhance our\u00a0ability to feel good and function well, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n

This article is an important resource for you as a leader, parent, or strengths enthusiast because it offers 101 actionable practices you can easily integrate into your daily routines and share with your team or family. The post below provides the context you need to focus on strengths and build well-being each day. All you have to do is carve out a few minutes daily to experiment and share.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/span>

The Inspiration<\/h4>\n

Public health measures such as face coverings and physical distancing aren\u2019t the only measures that can help us navigate this prolonged pandemic. Focusing on character strengths can help soften intense emotions, like the fear and anger that often accompany this unnatural state of physical distance. It helps us reframe challenges using a positive lens of strengths. This not only allows us to shift away from what isn\u2019t working, but it provides the tools that allow us to build what works \u2013 systems and practices that help us through the crises we face.<\/p>\n

Integrating your character strengths in small doses, in things you\u2019re already doing, can help you right now through hardships brought about by political, economic, and daily life challenges. Whether you\u2019re a parent confronted with your kids\u2019 remote learning challenges, a business leader struggling to keep your doors open, or an unemployed or underemployed individual seeking income, applying your character strengths even in small doses daily can help you cope with stress, reframe challenges, boost your mental and physical health, connect meaningfully with others, and build hopeful and positive futures.<\/p>\n

I love to experiment with character strengths and encourage my clients to do the same. Here are\u00a0101 actions<\/a>\u00a0you can immediately experiment with, beginning on page 127 of the article. They\u2019re categorized based on the results you desire;\u00a0whether you\u2019re seeking to manage stress, stay healthy, or grow personally\u00a0(see below for examples)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Manage Stress<\/strong>
\nTry #97. Spending so much time at home will inevitably present a simple problem you suddenly find difficult to solve. Check in with your feelings. If you\u2019re feeling anxious, take a break if the problem isn\u2019t urgent. Do something to generate positive emotions \u2013 take a movement break, call a friend, put a few pieces in the puzzle. Then return to the problem with a fresh perspective and greater likelihood of solving the problem (social intelligence\u00a0<\/a>and\u00a0judgment<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Stay Healthy\u00a0<\/strong>
\nTry #43. Fight cabin fever by getting into action. Run, hike, climb, do a few yoga poses. (zest<\/a>,\u00a0creativity,<\/a>\u00a0self-regulation<\/a>). Or #44 \u2013 one of my favorites.\u00a0 Stop eating before you are full, especially with the holidays approaching. (self-regulation<\/a>,\u00a0prudence<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Grow Personally\u00a0<\/strong>
\n#17 Practice compassion. At least once daily, set your intention to refrain from doing harm to others in your thoughts, words, and actions.
\n(kindness<\/a>,\u00a0self-regulation<\/a>).<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t identified your unique blend of character strengths, or if you wish to update your results, take the free\u00a0character strengths survey<\/a>\u00a0to discover where your strengths currently reside. Make sure to keep your results handy when you attempt this practice!<\/p>\n

Experiment on your own or with your family, team, or a group of friends. The steps below will guide you.<\/p>\n

The Practice<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Each day for the next week, decide whether you wish to: manage your stress, boost your health, grow or build skills, boost a connection, or support a social cause. Why did you choose this goal?<\/li>\n
  2. Next, choose\u00a0one of the practices and put it into action. Feel free to choose different practices each day or stay with one. However you feel moved.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Reflection<\/h4>\n

    Complete this reflection to gain some perspective.<\/p>\n

    I chose this activity because ________. As I completed it, I noticed that ________.<\/em><\/p>\n

    Did you realize or learn something? Feel a sense of pride or accomplishment? Take a brave step toward something meaningful?<\/p>\n

    May you feel confident returning to your strengths again and again, no matter what is happening around or within you.<\/p>\n

    Jane<\/p>\n<\/div>

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