Gratitude

Noticing what is good and thanking the people behind it.

Measured by the Character Strengths test. Scores run from 0 to 100.

Low scores (under 40): Forward-looking

You tend to look ahead more than at what you already have, so good moments can slip by before you have taken them in.

Balanced scores (40 to 60)

You notice and say thanks fairly often, especially when something stands out. Appreciation is present but not a daily habit.

High scores (over 60): Appreciative

You notice small good things and tell people you are thankful. It makes relationships and ordinary days richer, though appreciation should not stop you from asking for what you want.

Related traits

• Curiosity
  A pull toward exploring, asking why and learning new things.
• Courage
  Acting on what matters even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.
• Perseverance
  Sticking with a goal through boredom, setbacks and slow progress.
• Kindness
  Caring about others and doing things for them without keeping score.
• Leadership
  Guiding a group, making things happen and helping people work toward a shared goal.
• Teamwork
  Pulling your weight in a group and putting the shared goal first.

Sources and method

This is a short self-report of ten strengths, and it ranks them for you, so a lower one is simply further down your personal list, not a weakness. Everyone has all ten to some degree, and context changes which ones show up. Treat the ranking as a prompt for reflection, not a verdict. Inspired by the character-strengths research tradition; not affiliated with any institute or commercial assessment.

Neither end of a dimension is better. Each comes with strengths and costs. For self-reflection and entertainment only.