We are all unique and we all have strengths which allow us to contribute to the world. In the early 2000’s, Dr. Martin Seligman and Dr. Christopher Peterson developed the VIA Character Strengths. Their research determined that there are 24 common character strengths that each of us possess to one degree or another, giving us a common language to use, but still recognizing that each of us is unique.
Each of these Character Strengths fall under one of six broad categories called Virtues. These Virtues and Character Strengths have proven to be universal across cultures and nations. Over the next few weeks, we will explore each of the 24 strengths that we all share, yet make you uniquely you!
We will start with the Virtue of Wisdom, which brings together those strengths used to gather and use knowledge.
The Character Strength of Curiosity brings together two key traits – being genuinely interested in exploring new things, ideas, places etc. entwined with the pursuit of growing personal knowledge.
Curious people tend to be happier, healthier, live longer and have more fulfilling relationships. This happens because Curiosity drives a person to actively look for ways to grow and improve and they are often looking for new, fun, and interesting things to do. Often this Curiosity can lead to new hobbies, passions, or even whole new ways of living.
A lack of Curiosity can show up as longstanding patterns of thinking, behavior, or ways of doing things. You can feel like you are are ‘in a rut’ or bored with areas of your life where Curiosity may be low or not present. It's opposite can lead to boredom and losing any enthusiasm for an activity. In excess it can be perceived as being nosey and invasive. Understanding the opposites, absences and excesses can help us identify when Curiosity shows up in us and in others. We all have the strength of Curiosity and it is expressed by each of us in our own unique way.
Fortunately, there are endless ways to express curiosity. It can help revive an interest by being curious about what makes it fun, interesting, or maybe just necessary. It can encourage exploration into even our everyday world. With so much access to information, we have opportunities all the time to feed our Curiosity.
As you go through your day today. Notice things that you normally either don’t notice or take for granted and get curious. Take that curiosity and learn new things. Expand what you know. You never know what you might find!
If you would like to learn more about Curiosity and your individual strengths, you can visit the website below and complete the free VIA Character Strengths Questionnaire.