top 5

isang araw, wala akong magawa sa bahay, napadampot ako ng Men's Health October 2011 issue. sa pag buklat ko nun, nabasa ko ang isang article dun tungkol sa character traits etc. minsan ko na rin naisipang mag hanap ng tipong pop psych test/quiz or something to that effect about that, it's not that hindi ko kilala kung anong strengths ko in terms of character strengths or what, but more on, i want them to be "validated".  i've been a reader of Men's Health naman for quite some time already, and i don't think they will even publish something that is a 'phony' so i tried taking the test here sa viacharacter.org and here were my top 5 character strengths:

1) Bravery and valor
You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.

I do believe this has been one of my main characteristics. Bravery in the face of challenges, i stick to what i believe in. and would not try to 'sell-out" to what others might force me to do or what. It's not that I don't want to blend it (lalo na if I don't agree with their point). You just can't take that away from me. I tend to stick to my beliefs and values. Others might look at it as me being "pasaway" but that's me. I've had previous experiences at work where I was able to exhibit this strength, and people have been impressed with my attitude. It has always been hard to go against the flow, most specially when the "flow" are some people who are suppose to be the ones being objective, or on the right side (but if they aren't then expect me to stand my ground against them)

2) Judgment, critical thinking, and open-mindedness

Thinking things through and examining them from all sides are important aspects of who you are. You do not jump to conclusions, and you rely only on solid evidence to make your decisions. You are able to change your mind.

Another trait I am sure of is that i am a thinking person. I would like to examine things thoroughly before I come up with a final decision. Obviously, pag maraming facts or ideas na kino consider, it would definitely take some time (which for some who just decide on the spot, without analyzing what the possible consequences might be) to come up with a "right" decision. Sometimes we just need to step back, gather details before we start coming up with possible decisions. 

3) Fairness, equity, and justice
Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.

In connection to strength #2, I honestly believe that this strength would, or should definitely follow. without thorough thinking, it would be hard to come up with fair judgement. fairness also is a result of being thorough with the facts presented. I personally believe, that not all people in position have this strength (or if they do, they don't maximize or utilize this as much as they are suppose to).  Nowadays, maraming gusto ng instant (success, wealth, fame, noodles?) I guess, it would also be appropriate to include here respect in connection to fairness & equality kasi if you don't respect others, definitely hindi ka rin magiging fair towards them, and at the same time, hindi mo sila i consider as equal, or you might not give them equal chances/ opportinity diba?

4) Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness

You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.

Directly connected with strength #3  are strength #4. IF you are not fair and just, you wouldn't be able to show genuine concern towards others. It also connected to strength #1, bravery/courage. na if you are not brave to face the truth, hindi ka magiging honest towards others. For example, a friend told me once that, despite me being masunget at times, the friendship was valued primarily because, it was an honest friendship. walang plastikan, walang pretentions. kung masunget kang tao, masunget ka. direct to the point, rather than nag pre-pretend to be "ok" pero sa totoo lang eh plastic pala. 

5) Leadership
You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.

It makes sense to me that before you can have leadership, you have to have the previously mentioned strengths muna. kumbaga, pre-requisite ng maging isang leader eh ang magkaroon ng traits na matapang, kritikal mag isip, fair at pantay mag decide at shempre totoong tao, honest ba :) these traits are interconnected. how can one be called a "leader" kung medyo sablay mag decide, hindi fair treatment to all people, hindi rin honest, and hindi matapang when it comes to standing up for what is right, or appropriate. 

these traits might sound or look like it's too idealistic, pero i do believe that if we want to be in an ideal world (be in a relationship, work, or kung saan man), we have to project what we want, diba? IF we want change, eh di we have to change ourselves first, be it with how we view and approach things because it all begins with one step, one decision.

(PS: hindi po ako ang nag sulat ng mga strengths na yan ah, nakuha ko silang lahat sa link na ito: www.viame.org . Ang kulit lang din kasing isipin na napaka pang "ideal" naman nung traits ko para maging resulta ng test na to. I know kahit papaano pwede namang "i-sway" yung maaring maging outcome nung result, pero ganon po ang lumabas. shempre walang sense for me if dadayain ko ung test diba? :) ) 

ayun lang po. 

ayot? APIR!