StrengthQuest Strengths
1. Achiever- an Achiever is someone who is very goal-oriented and is driven by accomplishments. An Achiever is someone who will get things done and follows very strict deadlines. They do not like to wait to the last minute and they are most likely the type of person who has multiple different places where they write their tasks down such as to-do lists, Google Calendars, Reminders on their phones, as well as a physical agenda. Once an Achiever completes one of their goals or tasks, they immediate will start up another one as these Achievers like be preoccupied always getting things done. Aside from just getting things done, they like to put their full efforts in and don't accept anything less than perfection meaning they will always put out their best work and won't stop until they are satisfied with the results. I use my strength as an Achiever to make sure I am constantly getting tasks done and these goals and tasks drive me everyday. I am very goal-oriented and use resources such as multiple to-do lists, an agenda book, Google Calendars, as well as post-it notes all throughout my room to help me organize everything I have to do so that I can constantly check things off my list while putting my best effort into everything that I do. Not only do Achievers have goals they are driven to achieve, they strive like my Competition strength, to exceed expectations. As an Achiever, I hold myself to a very high standard of hard work and accountability.
2. Includer- an Includer is someone who makes everyone feel respected, welcome and valued for who they are. They want everyone to feel as though they have a say and their voice is heard. They encourage others to speak and give their opinions. They believe everyone has something to offer and that the group wouldn't be the same if everyone wasn't present. Includers are the type of people who very accepting of others. They see the similarities and differences within the group dynamic and use those different dynamics to include others so that everyone's voice is heard. I use my strength as an Includer to make sure everyone feels comfortable sharing their opinions and ideas and everyone feels welcome and respected when they do. I also see the group dynamic in action and know that everyone has something to add and the group wouldn't be the same if one person wasn't involved. Includes are very empathetic and want to make sure that anything someone has to say will be heard. They have no problem standing up for someone who is too shy to stand up for themselves. I like to think of my Includer strength as the strength of an Ally. As my college career progresses, I'm starting to see how much I use this strength and why this strength in particular means so much to me. I strive to create an atmosphere wherever I am that in inclusive to all.
3. Competition- those who have competition as a strength are very good at tracking their progress against other people. They like to get goals completed as quickly as possibly as best as possible and they like to be on top. Similar to achievers, they like to accomplish goals and they also like to be the best such as winning first place. Using my strength of Competition, when I take tests for classes, I really like to score as best as possible, striving for 100. Competition is a strength that really allows me to push myself to be the best version of Ray. I also use Competition to motivate others to try their very best at everything they do and challenge myself to always exceed expectations.
4. Restorative- someone who has Restorative as a strength are very adaptive and good at dealing with problems. They like to solve problems and are always thinking of new and different ways to get things done. When they encounter problems, they will think of multiple different solutions and bounce back from any challenge thrown their way. Restorative people are very good at finding out what problems are and then solving them. I use my strength of restorative when working in group projects, if and when we enter the storming phase, I am able to define what the problems are and then think of multiple solutions that could help the group get out of this stage and work out the problems. Restorative people are very good at changing the game plan up just minutes before and they are very good at working on the fly. They always have multiple ideas and never let anything stop them from accomplishing a goal they've set.
5. Positivity- people with Positivity as a strength find the good in every situation and are full of enthusiasm. They are energetic, upbeat, and excited to celebrate successes with others. They are there to lift people up and their happiness and positivity is contagious. I use my strength of Positivity when I am starting to stress out about classwork and homework. I remind myself of all the positives that this class has offered me and find a positive twist to look at the assignments as a way to learn and grow. I also encourage others to find the good in people and see past the negativity that some people possess and displace. Positive people such as myself really do have a love for life and they want to spread that positive energy with everyone around them. Those with Positivity as a strength see the good even in bad situations and always try to bring others up rather than drag others down.
The Center for Student Leadership Development's Motto
(image taken from CSLD)
VIA Character Strengths
1. Honesty- people with Honesty tell the truth almost always. They are authentic and have integrity and always tell the truth. I use Honesty to make sure I am always telling others exactly what I mean and I always tell a story exactly how it happened without twisting my words. I will always give it straight to someone and you can always count on me to be honest. Honesty is my top value and it is something very important to me. Those with Honesty are very trustworthy, so when someone confides in me, they know I won't tell anyone their secret.
2. Kindness- People who have Kindness are helpful and caring. They think about others and put others first. I use kindness to make sure everyone feels valued and respected for who they are and also welcome. I try to bring a warm and welcoming environment whenever I'm around others. My Kindness value is another very important value to me. With everything going on today in the world around us, it's so important to be kind to others. Those with Kindness as a value like to commit "Random Acts of Kindness" every single day regardless of how small it may be.
3. Perseverance- those who have Perseverance as a value are persistent, they finish what they start and don't stop until they complete a task. They don't give up. I use my value of Perseverance to always accomplish my goals and keep up with tasks whether it's a daily goal or a year long project, I don't give up. Those with Perseverance as a value see the importance of always trying to overcome any challenge that may be thrown their way. Perseverance is about doing the best you can with what you have at that moment. This value reminds me of a quote that I really love by Charles Swindoll, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it."
(Charles R. Swindoll Quotes. (n.d.). BrainyQuote.com. Retrieved November 12, 2017, from BrainyQuote.com Web site: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs388332.html)
4. Love- Love means that you are loving and value close relationships with others. Those with Love as a value are very good listeners are very warm. I use Love to make others feel valued and understood. I include others which shows love and I'm always there to listen when someone needs to talk. I am also just a good listener such as in class when someone else is talking. There can never be enough love in the world and those with Love as a value see the importance of that. Having Love as a value doesn't mean using it only in romantic relationships, but rather to see the value of peer-to-peer relationships, family relationships, as well as professional relationships in the workplace and in the classroom.
5. Zest- people with Zest are energetic and enthusiastic. They feel alive and spread that positive energy wherever they go. I use Zest to be a positive energetic person who brings others up even when they are feeling down. I try to be as enthusiastic as possible even if I'm not thrilled to be there. Those with Zest have a love for life, they find a new reason everyday to smile and wake up ready to conquer the day. This value goes very well with my Positivity strength as both can really influence others to change their mindset and see the good in every situation.