Unlocking Your Inner Strength: How Flow and Character Strengths Lead to Personal Growth and Success
- magdalenacopuroglu
- Jan 30
- 5 min read
Flow is not a state that occurs all the time; it is a mental state that requires intention and practice to make it more likely. However, it can become an automatic and spontaneous experience if you have a clear goal and focus on the process rather than the end result, as Csikszentmihalyi (2004) and Cherry (2022) explain the phenomenon of flow.
Practicing mindfulness and being aware of your character strengths can improve your experience of flow. During one of the lectures in positive psychology, we reflected on personal character strengths and mindfulness in relation to flow. Emphasizing that engagement and smooth action can be improved over time through patience and practice.
To focus more deeply on mindfulness and flow, we need to identify and translate our strengths. I used several tests for this, and in the final summary, it turned out that my greatest strength is:
Gratitude – I am aware of the good things that happen to me and never take them for granted. My friends and family know that I am a person full of gratitude because I always take the time to express my thanks.
My second strength is Curiosity and interest in the world – I am curious about everything. I always ask questions and believe that all topics and fields are fascinating. I enjoy exploring and discovering.
Strength #3 is Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith – I have strong and consistent beliefs about a higher purpose and the meaning of the universe. I know where I fit into the bigger picture. My beliefs shape my actions and give me a sense of comfort.
Strength #4 is Kindness and generosity – I am kind and generous to others, never too busy to help someone. I take pleasure in doing good deeds for others, even if I don’t know them well.
And the last strength: Appreciation of beauty and excellence – I notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skillful execution in various areas of life, from nature, through art, mathematics, and science, to everyday experiences.
If you want to better understand your strengths, you can use the popular Gallup StrengthsFinder test. This tool helps identify your greatest talents and strengths that you can develop to achieve success in both personal and professional life. The test is available on Gallup's website:
Another test that can help explore your traits and predispositions is the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. It is based on positive psychology and helps understand your personal strengths.
By using these tests, you can better understand yourself and discover which strengths are worth developing to lead a more fulfilling and satisfying life.
Once you know your Greatest Strengths, the next step is discovering and utilizing the potential within you.
Each of us has something that sets us apart from others. However, we often don’t realize how powerful our inner strength is. It may be a talent, a characteristic, a skill, or a way of thinking that, when faced with challenges, helps us move forward, overcome obstacles, and pursue our goals. In this episode, we’ll look at what your greatest strength is, how to discover it, and how to use it in everyday life to become the best version of yourself.
What is Your Greatest Strength?
Your greatest strength is not just one characteristic that sets you apart, but a set of skills, talents, and psychological resources that help you succeed, cope with difficulties, and live in harmony with yourself. It could be resilience, empathy, problem-solving ability, creativity, or a quick learning ability. It's important to understand that the "greatest strength" doesn’t only show up in big moments—it also manifests in small, everyday decisions based on our inner resources.
How to Discover Your Greatest Strength?
Discovering your greatest strength requires self-reflection and examining your life. It’s useful to ask yourself some key questions:
In what situations do you feel your strongest? Think about times when you showed exceptional determination, courage, or wisdom.
What motivates you to act when facing difficulties? Maybe it’s your ability to find solutions in tough situations or simply the perseverance that helps you tackle challenges.
What makes you feel energized and engaged?Answers to these questions might reveal hidden talents and strengths.
In addition to self-reflection, it’s helpful to ask for feedback from close people—family, friends, or coworkers. Sometimes others see talents in us that we don't recognize ourselves.
How to Use Your Greatest Strength in Everyday Life?
Finding your greatest strength is just the beginning. The key is how you start to use it in practice.
In everyday life, where your greatest strength can be utilized not just in key moments but in daily situations. For example, if your strength is problem-solving, look for challenges at work where you can use this skill. If you’re someone who can support others, get involved in team-based activities where your empathy and listening skills will be valuable.
Greatest Strength and Personal Development
Self-awareness is the first step toward growth, but it’s not enough to stop there. We must take steps to develop our greatest strengths:
- Active Work on Strengths
Once you know what your greatest strength is, it’s important to work consciously on developing it. This could mean continuing education in that area, taking on challenges that help you refine this skill, or finding a mentor who can guide you in your growth.
- Learning from Mistakes
Growth is a process that includes setbacks. It’s essential to treat these as opportunities to learn and grow. Every failure is a valuable experience that can strengthen your courage and resilience, two key traits in personal development.
Your greatest strength not only helps you cope with difficulties but also influences your interactions with others. For example, if empathy is your strength, it can help you build deeper, more authentic relationships. You can become a better leader, mentor, coworker, and friend. Strength in relationships also means the ability to resolve conflicts and bring positive energy to teams.
Also, as single, non-working mothers, we can apply these strategies to develop ourselves both personally and professionally, utilizing our potential and strengths. Key is effective time management and planning. Sometimes it's autopilot mode with the same daily routine, but setting priorities and using tools like calendars or task management apps can help make the most of our time.
Emotional support from friends—other women with the same strengths—provides both emotional and practical assistance in daily tasks. We should also invest in personal development; it’s never too late. Online courses, workshops, or educational programs can help us gain new skills and increase our chances in the job market. Never forget stress and emotional management—meditation, yoga, or regular physical activity can significantly help with tension, stress, and improve well-being. All our goals—whether short or long-term—and working on fulfilling our dreams are other techniques for inspiring action.
There are increasingly more opportunities in remote work markets. I believe it’s a great option for single mothers, providing flexibility in managing time and family responsibilities.
Discovering and utilizing your greatest strength is the key to success and personal growth. Knowing your strengths gives you confidence, allows you to make decisions in alignment with your values, and transforms your life for the better. Remember that your strength is not just about grand moments—it’s also the everyday choices you make based on your talents and skills.
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