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The Divine Comedy |
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The Divine Comedy |
FOR a week use one of your signature strengths in a new way each day. The list below will give you some ideas about how to do this.
Alan Carr, Positive Psychlology, 2nd ed., 73-76. Source: This exercise is based on that given in Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 158–162.
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“CORE VIRTUE” |
STRENGTH |
TASK |
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1.
WISDOM |
creativity |
Select a routine daily task and do it completely differently Write a very brief accurate description of the most beautiful scene you can call to mind |
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curiosity |
Select a local place you pass every day, but know little about, and find out everything about it Come home a different way from work or college and notice everything new that you see |
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judgment (open-mindedness) |
Write down an opinion you strongly hold; then write down five reasons why someone might doubt its validity Next time someone says something important you disagree with, ask them why they believe it so strongly; listen carefully to what they say and try to understand their point of view |
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love of learning, |
Make a point of learning a new idea each day Spend 15 minutes today reading a book or article that you would not otherwise read |
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perspective |
Next time you are with two friends who are arguing, don’t take sides; instead try to understand both sides of the argument For 1 day, spend more time questioning and listening than talking, and only give an opinion or advice when asked, and then only after careful deliberation |
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2. COURAGE |
bravery, |
For 1 day, only say things you genuinely believe to be true Do one thing each day that you think reflects your most deeply held values |
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persistence |
Today, plan to do one thing, assignment, or task to completion and follow through on this plan Take an important task you have been avoiding doing for some time, and plan to do it in small stages; then follow through on your plan Zest |
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Authenticity |
Do something today because you really want to, not because you think you should |
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vitality (zest) |
Sleep for 8 hours, eat three moderate-sized healthy meals, and exercise vigorously for an hour during one 24-hour period; notice how energetic you feel as a result |
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3. HUMANITY |
Intimacy (love) |
Do a favour for friend or stranger and don’t make a big deal out of it Visit someone who is lonely and listen to them |
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kindness |
Do something with your friend or partner that they really want to do Accept a compliment by saying ‘thanks’ and no more than that |
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social intelligence |
When someone says or does something to annoy you, don’t immediately retaliate; try to understand their motives Do or say something to make another person feel at ease in a tense situation |
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4. JUSTICE |
citizenship (teamwork) |
When someone says or does something to annoy you, don’t immediately retaliate; try to understand their motives Do or say something to make another person feel at ease in a tense situation |
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fairness |
Today, when you find you have made a mistake in your dealings with others, admit it and take responsibility for it Listen to people with whom you disagree without interrupting them |
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leadership |
Organise a social event for your friends or family Make a new person or an unpopular person in your social circle feel welcome and part of the groupTeamwork Today, turn up on time and do more than your fair share of whatever team work you are involved in Do some voluntary work for a charitable organisation |
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5. TEMPER-ANCE |
forgiveness, (& mercy) |
Write a letter of forgiveness to someone who has wronged you, but don’t send it; read it each day for a week Once a day when you feel annoyed with someone, let go of the feeling |
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humility (& modesty) |
Today, don’t talk about yourself Compliment a friend on something he or she does better than you |
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prudence |
Today, ask yourself if the health risks are worth it next time you eat junk food, drink more than two units of alcohol, or drive over the speed limit Curb one excess today |
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self-regulation |
Count to 10 the next time you feel you are going to lose your temper Give up gossiping and saying mean things about others for today |
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6. TRAN-SCENDENCE |
Awe (appreciation of beauty and excellence) |
Stop and notice the natural beauty all around you twice a day Write down the most beautiful thing you see every day for a week |
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spirituality |
Meditate today for 15 minutes Think about the purpose of your life today |
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gratitude |
At the end of the day write down three good things that you experienced and for which you are grateful Write a gratitude letter to someone who helped you and you never thanked, describing in detail how they helped you; send them the letter |
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hope |
Write down your goals for the next month and make plans for accomplishing them Think of a thing that disappointed you, and the positive opportunities it created for you |
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humor |
Make one person smile today Make fun of yourself today |
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This Webpage was created for a workshop held at Saint Andrew's Abbey, Valyermo, California in 2017
