Become Empowered: Use Your Strengths to Face Adversity

Napoleon Hill once said “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.”  Adversity is part of life. Adversity gives us opportunities to connect with others and use our strengths to rise to the occasion and overcome it. 

 

When we are clear about our values and character strengths, we can hold things together, for the best interest of all, to come out stronger on the other side. Character strengths empower us to be disciplined enough to see the challenge through.  Adversity can bring out the best of us, but only if we can focus on a higher purpose and maintain our sanity.

 

I believe one of Positive Psychology's greatest contributions has been the identification of the character strengths and virtues common to all traditions and cultures. These strengths, such as wisdom, courage, love, and justice, help to create unity.  At the same time, each person, family, business, and institution carries special aspects of these strengths, like a unique signature. These help see ourselves unique and connected so as to rise to honor our best.  You can begin to identify your unique character strengths by taking the brief strengths survey at the Authentic Happiness website.

 

Character strengths are more than passions, talents, or abilities, because they help you connect with a greater purpose and meaning in life. When you use them to promote your well being as well as that of others, you become fulfilled.  You feel invigorated, and enthusiastic, and enjoy using them to develop projects with others. 

 

When you are facing a challenge or adversity, your character strengths help to connect and pull through.  For example, one of my strengths is curiosity.  At one time, I was quite ill and in a wheel chair.  Investigating the factors that influenced the illness helped me to find the right doctors to become well.  It also helped me to gain a holistic view towards health.  Today, I am rarely ill and can provide inspiration and support for others. This helps me feel fulfilled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Kathryn Merrow - The Pain Relief Coach]

Thank you for sharing the story of how you used one of your strengths to get yourself well. I always love an inspiring story that I can share with others.

You are an inspiration!

Kathryn Merrow - The Pain Relief Coach

[Air Jordans]

I was a shy teenager, glad to have anyone talk to me

[Air Jordan Shoes]

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