Are You Using Your Top (Expat) Strengths? 3 Tips to Get You Started

It is easy to recognise the common-sense notion that we will likely be more successful in life when we focus on our strengths rather than on our weaknesses.

I have been a fan of the Character Strengths framework for several years now (I started talking about it already a few years ago; check a previous article here). First developed by Martin Seligman and his team, it has grown into its own website in the VIA (Values in Action) Institute on Character.

The basic premises are that we all have access to a series of 24 universally recognised (across time, space and cultures) character strengths (practiced traits, not innate talents), which however we use in different ways, and some of them will come more naturally to you than others. The top ones are called your "signature strengths".

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'Expat Strengths'?

While top character strengths are specific to each individual, I have often wondered if some of them tend to be more present in expats, people who decided to live/work abroad.

For example, as an expat, you will have probably had plenty of opportunities to practice your ability to look at things from different (cultural) perspectives, thus enhancing your strength of Perspective. Similarly, you might have had the chance to use Curiosity, Love of Learning and even Bravery and Perseverance more than others.

I just wonder about it...

Do you feel this could be true too? And could there be (new) strengths specific only to expats?! I don't have the answers for this yet...

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Well, if you are just starting to explore the topic of character strengths (or have not reflected on it in a while), here are my 3 tips to get you started:

1. Know your signature strengths

If you have never taken the free online test (or have not done it for at least 1 year), take some minutes to complete it here (and do check if the test is available in your own language too, in the upper right side area). It’s always interesting and useful to know yourself a little bit better!

Once you have your results, reflect a bit on it and especially your top 5-7 results. Use the checklist below to confirm if each of them truly feels like a signature strength and, if necessary, re-order them.

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Signature Strengths’ Checklist:

Ask yourself: When using this strength...

- Do you feel true to yourself, comfortable? (Authenticity)

- Do you feel energised and engaged? (Energy)

- Does the motivation for its use come from within? (Internal motivation)

If you answer was 'Yes' to all, then that is a signature strength!

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“These [signature] strengths are strong capacities in you and they are probably engaging, energizing, and comfortable for you to use.” [VIA Institute]

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Mine have changed over the past 5 years (I took the test 3 times), though in a very stable way: my top 7 have remained fairly the same, but the order of my top 5 has changed a little.

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One more question: Is there any strengths that you feel you have developed further because you are an expat or which has maybe made you feel more comfortable taking the step to become one? Or one that you recognise more among expat friends? I'd love to hear about it in the comments! :D

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2. Be aware of and manage your bottom strengths

Note that there are no 'weaknesses' in this framework; they are all strengths. Yet, we all have some at the bottom, so don't stress about it.

It is important to acknowledge that somethings do not come to you so naturally and will drain your energy a lot more than normal. You can do it; but you'll likely be tired afterwards, others don't recognise this as being who you truly area and you are probably only doing is mostly due to external pressures. Your bottom strengths are the ones that would pass the 'reverse checklist test' (if you ask the 'opposite' question).

Hence, don't plan multiple tasks on the same day that require several of your bottom strengths, or at least try to interspace them with other activities where you can use some of your signature strength to keep the day somewhat more balanced... Knowing how to manage your bottom strengths is essential!

Still, managing them should be enough (just make sure they do not negatively affect your life). In theory you could turn a bottom strength into a top one. However, the amount of energy required for that would be such that you would get much much better results by investing the same time and attention in your top ones, the ones that will make you shine!

For many years now my bottom strength has been Humour (along with 4 others). I guess my nerdy side is too strong to make proper jokes! :D That's OK; I've made my peace with it ;)

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3. Use your signature strengths regularly; plan for it!

Just knowing which are your top and bottom strengths is interesting but knowledge alone is not enough.

You need to act on it. And when it comes to strengths it’s about regularly using your signature strengths, not only in your private life, but also -- I would even say ‘especially’, given how much time we spend doing it -- at work!

Indeed, the scientists behind this approach have confirmed that you are more likely to live a full life and feel successful at work if you use at least 4 out of your top 5 on a regular basis (meaning, also at work).

Have you been using your signature strengths on a regular basis, including at work? Have you been doing it?

Go though each of your signature strengths and think about the last time you used it, or see if you can come up with 3 instances where you did use them in the past week. If it seems hard to do this exercise, then you probably have not been using those strengths often enough.

In that case, I suggest you actually plan for some situations in which you will use it (if there are multiple strengths in this situation, start with one at a time). Read that strength definition in the VIA website and reflect on what actions could allow you to practice it more.

For example, while my rational side easily notices skills and performance (Appreciation of Excellence), I am not 'programmed' for Appreciation of Beauty, so I need to encourage myself to do it a bit more. Some challenges I can set myself are: to find at least 3 'beautiful' things on my way to work; to note at least 1 element about each of my colleagues that I find pleasing, to look at myself in the mirror and acknowledge the parts I like in me :)

Need a little bit more help brainstorming these? Get in contact with me!

Extra: Want to improve on a specific strength? You can!

As you have just read, it is possible to improve on a (actually, any!) particular strength, even your bottom ones.

All strengths come from practice and experience (whether because because you had to use it, or you had a natural aptitude for it, or context allowed you to do so). Your top strengths are usually simply the ones you having been using more often recently (unless you just went through some major life changing event).

This means you can also decide to practice more of other (lower) strengths. Just explore how you could intentionally plan for it. Initially it may feel difficult (like when you start to exercise any muscle) but with time it does become easier and easier. It is as simple as putting some time and attention into it.

Just remember, if you choose to work on one of your bottom strengths and actually 'raise' it up from the bottom, there will always still be 24 strengths and some will have to be in the bottom. You can change your bottom but not eliminate it! ;)