Jan 20
In this episode, Tracy shares a quick method for discovering your character strengths. Learn why it’s so important for those with an ADHD brain to focus on what we’re interested in and how we can internally motivate ourselves. Tracy talks about the VIA Character Strengths Test and how it can help us determine if we’re moving in the right direction in our careers and life. This test: Looks for the personality traits that represent the essence of who you are. Shows you what drives you, gives you energy and keeps you in integrity Focuses on 24 character strengths Discover the difference between values and character strengths and the benefits of being in positive emotion. Learn also how positive emotion and our strengths are related.
Tracy introduces Dr. Martin Seligman and shares how the VIA Character Strengths Test came into being and how she initially thought it was just another personality test. Several years later she was reintroduced to it. In creating the Via Character Strengths Test, Seligman and his associates looked at: All the world religions Virtue catalogues by Plato, Aristotle, Confucious, William Bennet, Benjamin Franklin etc. The work of psychologists including Thorndike, Erickson, Cawley, Gardner etc. Learn the six themes or virtues and 24 character strengths that make humans their best and how the VIA Character Strengths Test can be so helpful in understanding who you are, what you should do next and/or why what you’re currently doing is not working. Tracy then shares what Signature Strengths are and why they’re so important to our well-being and energy. She also talks about her Signature Strengths and gives examples of why it’s so hard for her to get things done when she’s not employing them. Finally she covers common Phasic Strengths for the ADHD brain, what they are and how we can use them successfully during times of challenge or crisis.
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"Our strengths are where our positive emotion lives. So I want to start by telling you how the via Character Strengths test even came into being."
- Tracy Otsuka
"Your character strengths, especially your signature strengths, they imbue you with positive emotion."
- Tracy Otsuka
"I'm trying to make sure that it just becomes second nature that you understand that when you're not feeling good, it's because you're in negative emotion, rather than positive emotion."
- Tracy Otsuka
- Tracy explains that people with ADHD experience motivation and satisfaction from crossing off tasks on their to-do list, leading to a positive feedback loop of motivation and productivity.
- Tracy discusses the importance of identifying and acknowledging one's strengths, as it can help individuals with ADHD feel more confident and motivated in their abilities.
- Tracy emphasizes the importance of knowing one's Character Strengths for happiness and success, especially for those with ADHD.
[10:02 - 21:16] ADHD, Character Strengths, and Well-Being
- Tracy discusses 5 virtues (wisdom, courage, humanity, justice, temperance) and their corresponding character strengths.
- Tracy explains that character strengths are unique to each person and can influence daily life.
- Tracy emphasizes importance of expressing signature strengths for ADHD well-being.
[21:16 - 36:28] Using Strengths to Overcome Creative Blocks in Cartography
- Tracy seeks to employ her signature strengths in rebuilding cartography for the ADHD brain, starting by collaborating with a friend on outlining tasks.
- Tracy reflects on her past jobs, identifying areas where she could have used her strengths more effectively, such as creativity, humor, and curiosity.
- Tracy recalls her experience as an enforcement attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission, where she struggled to use her strengths due to a lack of room for creativity and a focus on tearing people down rather than building them up.
