Signature Strengths

Through the process of evolution and when left to the natural inclination of adaptation, in general, scanning for problems with vigilance distracts from the processes of moving forward with momentum (Biswas-Diener, 2010). A powerful train locomotive has the potential to crash through barriers and continue moving forward only when it has momentum; however, if the train is moving slowly and with too much cautious activity because of issues that distracts from gaining speed and momentum (i.e., worried about a weak axials that were recently fixed and inspected), a simple barrier will absorb the potential of the train to succeed and stop it despite the train being on the “right” track. If the sailboat captain is constantly worried and focused

However, signature strengths are “not necessarily context specific or unique to one person” (Ludlam et al., 2017, p. 253). Conversely, the applied approach of using super strengths (strengths developed to identifying performance edges by using the greatest attributes athletes have that can be used in a competitive environment to gain an edge over a competitor) has been reported in recent research to facilitate positive influences on athletes’ mind-set, confidence (e.g., self-belief), clarity of purpose (e.g., goal directions), drive (e.g., motivation to succeed in what they were doing), coping ability (e.g., perseverance and mental toughness under pressure with a feeling of freedom with less worry about their abilities), and performance (Ludlam et al., 2017) (e.g., success was due to their effort versus the scoreboard (Wooden & Carty, 2005). Linkins et al. (2014) suggest a descriptive approach (e.g., planting and nurturing seeds) instead of prescriptive approach (e.g., the process of molding clay) to any strength-based programs since “character capacities reside within” and that “the purpose of character education is not to enforce or impose, but rather to reveal, elicit, and nurture existing strengths”