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Archive for the ‘Values’ Category

Accomplish More By Focusing On Your Strengths

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

Dumb Little Man posted today that a site called the Museum Of Conceptual Art has a tool where you can type in your age and see what others have accomplished at the same age. It’s kind of interesting, but for those that find such a tool more soul-crushing than inspirational, the site also has a guide entitled Help For The Attitudinally Challenged. I checked it out and one of the links was to positive psychologist Martin Seligman’s Authentic Happiness site at the University of Pennsylvania.

Wisdom states that people should find out what their strengths and weaknesses are and then focus on utilizing their strengths. You can take a 240 question VIA (Values in Action) Signature Strengths Survey at the site (in the top right hand corner) that will focus on your top 5 signature strengths. This is where you should focus your energies in order to optimize your chances for success in life.

Here are my top 5 signature strengths according to the survey:

Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible. This is your top strength.
Curiosity and interest in the world
You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness
You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a “real” person.

Now normally I’m pretty critical of these types of quizzes but I thought I’d give it a try because Martin Seligman is such a well-known name in personal development circles. Remarkably I would consider my top 5 strengths according to the quiz to be an accurate description of me.

There are many more fascinating quizzes at the site as well measuring such characteristics as optimism, grit, mood level, life meaning and many more.

Anyways, take the test and try to set goals that focus on your strengths now that you’ve discovered them. Good luck.

Posted in Effectiveness, Goal Setting And Prioritizing, Productivity, Relationships, Values | Comments Off

How To Find True Happiness Beyond The Pocketbook

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

Money is an interesting topic in productivity circles. There are those that love money, think money is the key to a happy, lengthy life, and the solution to all of the world’s problems. Then there are those that literally think that money is the root of all evil and giving it all away to those in need will truly make you happy.

Web Worker Daily writer Anne Zelenka wrote a guest post today for Zen Habits about putting your so-called hedonic treadmill in reverse gear. The theory of the hedonic treadmill states that “humans rapidly and inevitably adapt to good things by taking them for granted. The more possessions and accomplishments we have, the more we need to boost our level of happiness”. And it is true isn’t it? The more money you have, the more money you spend, the more things you have…and your happiness? It’s in the same place and you still feel you need more stuff to be happier.

Since Zelenka’s husband returned to grad school, the couple has had to cut down on their spending. She’s found that it is possible to put the treadmill in reverse by gradually cutting down spending in increments which allows your happiness level to stay constant. While this is all great in principle, Zelenka is misguided in linking money and material possessions to happiness. While I agree that having enough money to meet your basic needs is essential to being happy, buying nice things is only connected to a surface-level happiness in those who rarely go beyond themselves in service of others.

Sufferers of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar illness often have all sorts of financial difficulties throughout their lives. Time is required off of work quite often for some as they adjust to new medications or just become to sick to function. Being in such a situation gives you a whole new perspective on the meaning of happiness and the place of money in contributing to that happiness. My finding has been that there is very little direct relation.

Back in July, Gretchen Rubin from The Happiness Project posited that money actually can buy you happiness. However, she doesn’t link money directly with happiness. Money can buy happiness only if it’s spent in such a way to support your happiness goals. Interestingly, the 8 tips for buying happiness with your money have absolutely nothing with material possessions and everything to do with spending your money on others, investing in relationships, and investing in your health. Service, relationships, and health…all keys to living a truly happy life.

So don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money. There is no happiness in it anyways. And if you have a lot and can’t seem to put that hedonic treadmill in reverse, look beyond yourself and your things. Find somebody in need or a good cause to invest in. Forget about putting the hedonic treadmill in reverse and buy yourself a real one instead, put it in forward motion and make an effort to improve your health for the benefit of your wife and kids.

Good luck!