A few months ago, Weight Watchers did a “Get Happy” campaign. They suggested this survey from Via and I took it. I actually think the results are pretty accurate, though I was surprised at the first couple as my strongest traits. After about #7 I think it gets pretty murky, but I would agree that the last 4-5 could use some work.
- Love of learning
Mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge, whether on one’s own or formally; related to the strength of curiosity but goes beyond it to describe the tendency to add systematically to what one knows.
- Curiosity
Taking an interest in ongoing experience for its own sake; finding subjects and topics fascinating; exploring and discovering.
- Creativity
Thinking of novel and productive ways to conceptualize and do things; includes artistic achievement but is not limited to it.
- Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence
Noticing and appreciating beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in various domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.
- Judgment
Thinking things through and examining them from all sides; not jumping to conclusions; being able to change one’s mind in light of evidence; weighing all evidence fairly.
- Humor
Liking to laugh and tease; bringing smiles to other people; seeing the light side; making (not necessarily telling) jokes.
- Gratitude
Being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.
- Perspective
Being able to provide wise counsel to others; having ways of looking at the world that make sense to oneself/others.
- Love
Valuing close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing & caring are reciprocated; being close to people.
- Fairness
Treating all people the same according to notions of fairness and justice; not letting feelings bias decisions about others; giving everyone a fair chance.
- Honesty
Speaking the truth but more broadly presenting oneself in a genuine way and acting in a sincere way; being without pretense; taking responsibility for one’s feelings and actions.
- Perseverance
Finishing what one starts; persevering in a course of action in spite of obstacles; “getting it out the door”; taking pleasure in completing tasks.
- Kindness
Doing favors and good deeds for others; helping them; taking care of them.
- Zest
Approaching life with excitement and energy; not doing things halfway or halfheartedly; living life as an adventure; feeling alive and activated.
- Bravery
Not shrinking from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain; speaking up for what’s right even if there’s opposition; acting on convictions even if unpopular; includes physical bravery but is not limited to it.
- Prudence
Being careful about one’s choices; not taking undue risks; not saying or doing things that might later be regretted.
- Leadership
Encouraging a group of which one is a member to get things done and at the same time maintain good relations within the group; organizing group activities and seeing that they happen.
- Hope
Expecting the best in the future and working to achieve it; believing that a good future is something that can be brought about.
- Spirituality
Having coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe; knowing where one fits within the larger scheme; having beliefs about the meaning of life that shape conduct and provide comfort.
- Forgiveness
Forgiving those who have done wrong; accepting others’ shortcomings; giving people a second chance; not being vengeful.
- Teamwork
Working well as a member of a group or team; being loyal to the group; doing one’s share.
- Humility
Letting one’s accomplishments speak for themselves; not regarding oneself as more special than one is.
- Social intelligence
Being aware of the motives/feelings of others and oneself; knowing what to do to fit into different social situations; knowing what makes other people tick.
- Self-Regulation
Regulating what one feels and does; being disciplined; controlling one’s appetites and emotions.