signature strengths.

Do you know about Martin Seligman's Signature Strengths? I'm usually a little skeptical about typologies and quizzes (every time I take personality tests I get a different result, it seems!), but I've deeply appreciated this particular survey.

It's long (240 questions!) but there's a quick version as well, and taking it is useful not so much because you'll know how to categorize yourself, but because the results can be used to bring about more flow experiences. (If you find out that your top strength is 'social intelligence', say, and that awareness around the motives and feelings of others is something you excel at, you can look for ways to draw on that strength in your day-to-day life.) Apparently, many people have found that the they use their core strengths, the more fulfilled and meaningful they find their lives to be... which to my mind is something the whole world could use more of.

If you want to discover yours, just go here. (You'll have to register, but the rest of the tools and inventories are rewarding and worthwhile, and if nothing else it's good research to be involved in.) Earlier this week I asked the rest of the Team to try the survey and post their results, and so it's only fair, I think, that I put mine up as well. :)

Your Top Strength
Capacity to love and be loved
You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.

Your Second 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.

Your Third Strength
Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Your Fourth Strength
Gratitude
You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.

Your Fifth Strength
Perspective (wisdom)
Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.

Strength #6
Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

Strength #7
Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness
You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.

Strength #8
Social intelligence
You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.

Strength #9
Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge.

Strength #10
Zest, enthusiasm, and energy
Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.