Changing habits is difficult enough. One way to set yourself up for success, is to start with the right foundation. Here’s how to use strength-based reframing to leverage what is working to improve what isn’t working.

When we want to change our habits, we often focus on the negative. It’s usually something that’s not working for us that drives our motivation to change. Otherwise, we wouldn’t even feel the initial impulse to do something different. The challenge in this approach is that we start off on the wrong foot by focusing on what we don’t have.

However, if we look at what is working, or our established strengths, we can set ourselves up for successful change efforts. By looking to our strengths first, we establish a foundation upon which to grow. We can use these strengths to boost our efforts, minimizing some of the difficulties inherent in change.

In wellness coaching, we call this strength-based reframing. It was born out of the field of positive psychology, the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Instead of focusing on problems, this approach allows us to shift our focus to values, meaning, and possibilities.

A useful resource, the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, can help you define your most positive attributes. It’s based on the research of Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology. You’ll need to create a free account, but it’s worth it!

This 240-question survey reveals your top five strengths based on the 24 strengths identified through Seligman’s research. This information can be used to facilitate your change efforts.

In addition to the survey results, consider questions such as:

  • What is right in my life?
  • What strengths do I possess that make it so?
  • What challenges have I overcome in the past?
  • What about me made it possible to overcome these challenges?
  • What am I good at, or what do I really enjoy?
  • What would a friend or family member list as my successes and strengths?

Answering these questions will reveal your strengths and abilities that can be leveraged to take your habits to the next level.

Next, consider questions like:

  • How can I reframe my current deficit (or need to change) into a future possibility?
  • How is the current challenge I’m facing similar to a challenge I’ve overcome in the past?
  • How can I use my strengths to facilitate my desired change?
  • What about me makes this change achievable?

A strengths-based approach takes awareness and practice. This approach may not come easily at first. It’s human nature to focus on the negative. Thus, answering these questions once is helpful, but not sufficient for long-term change.

Instead, refer back to this information at regular intervals. Use what you’re good at as a resource for building better habits. Knowing your strengths and answering these questions will give you a solid foundation to start taking small steps towards changing habits.

You got this!