Everyone possesses all 24 character strengths in different degrees. They are your best potential, like precious gems in a stone. The user can choose among the strengths of optimism, hope, empathy, awe, gratitude, self-compassion.
When we guide young people to develop and harness their strengths, we’re enhancing their self-esteem, resilience and ultimately their well-being.
One example of task from the Island of strengths: the training for optimism
- The way we think affects the way we feel. Our thoughts cause emotions. If our thoughts are incorrect, they will make us feel anxious, confused, depressed, stuck.
- However, there is a strategy that can help you. It is called ABCD.
- is the SITUATION, for example a school test
- is the THOUGHT about it. For example: «I will fail».
- is the EMOTION: as a consequence of a tragic thoughts, you will feel more and more anxious.
- Is the DISCUSSION: is my thought really true? realistic? Am I basing my thought on facts or on feelings? What is the evidence for this thought? Could I be wrong? Am I viewing the situation as black and white? Or excessively tragic? Can I look at this in another way?
REFRAMING – After the discussion, you can find alternative WISER THOUGHT.
For example, you can remember your successes: «In the past I have done well, I can do well in this test too».