Top 10 NEW Research Findings on Character Strengths
September 17, 2015 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
The 2nd annual Character Day is tomorrow, September 18th! This is a day for everyone around the world to focus on the BEST qualities in all human beings- character strengths. In honor of this “holiday” I have rounded up some of the latest and greatest recent research on character... Read More
Can a Generation be Defined by Character Strengths?
August 31, 2015 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Depending on what generation you are from you have probably heard many stereotypes and interpretations about who you are. Much of what is said is inconsistent. Gen X has been referred to as both the slacker generation and also a generation that is competent, confident, and achievement-oriented. Baby boomers... Read More
Perspective on Our World
January 16, 2015 by VIA Contributor ·
I’ve been fascinated lately to watch VIA character traits emerging onto the world stage. It’s an encouraging sign amidst much disturbing news. As humanity faces its profound problems with increasing consciousness, it may be that the strengths within us, latent but universally present by definition, are coming into focus... Read More
Which VIA Strengths Are In Gritty People?
September 9, 2014 by VIA Contributor ·
Although I’ve made a specialty of coaching and teaching in the world of Positive Psychology and successful goal accomplishment in recent years, 25 years ago I didn’t meet the definition of happy or successful, nor would I say that I epitomized “grit,” which is the quality of resilient passion... Read More
A Character Game Plan… On and Off the Field
May 15, 2014 by Dr. Neal Mayerson ·
There was a recent article in the New York Times, “Manning or Leaf? A Lesson in Intangibles”, that reviewed one of the biggest moments in NFL draft history- the choice between two of the top quarterbacks at the time- Peyton Manning or Ryan Leaf. The coaches and administration had... Read More
Divergent: Use the Movie to Create the Best Version of You
March 26, 2014 by Dr. Ryan Niemiec ·
Compare your “divergent” category with your VIA character strengths. Read More
Swimmer Natalie du Toit Exercises Perseverance & Perspective
February 12, 2014 by VIA Contributor ·
It was 2001. Not even a full year had passed since Natalie du Toit narrowly missed qualifying as part of the South African team for the 2000 Sydney Olympics when a scooter accident on the way home from swimming practice forever changed how she got around. But, it did... Read More
Be A #Sochi2014 #VIAstrengths Spotter
February 7, 2014 by VIA Institute on Character ·
Today the world will pause to watch and celebrate as athletes from around the globe join together in one stadium to begin the final path of their journey toward Olympic triumphs. Over the course of the next few weeks at the 2014 Sochi Olympics (#Sochi2014) we will see character... Read More
Perseverance Is A Key To Success
January 15, 2014 by VIA Institute on Character ·
Bobby Knight reminds us to ask ourselves, “Do YOU have the will to practice to win?” Read More
From Sadness To Scotland’s Happiness Day
November 1, 2013 by VIA Contributor ·
As Kim Macleod has learned, life is not always easy but it is in those dark moments when your inner strengths help to pull you through and flourish, reaching for goals that never even existed until after tragedy struck. After the loss of her young son, Kim has chosen... Read More