My executive coach, Peter, tells me i’m making excellent progress. Apparently i’m perfectly on track to being the megalomaniacal, totalitarian dictator i am destined to be. One of the most fascinating processes we’ve been looking through is an interesting psychological test regarding a person’s own signature strengths, i.e. the things you’re best at.

The idea behind this stuff is to use your strengths effectively so your weaknesses never matter. Peter introduced this to me by explaining that despite being the world’s no1 golfer, Tiger Woods is actually absolutely fucking dreadful at getting out of bunkers. His coach’s remedy is pretty interesting - have you ever seen him land a ball in a bunker? Exactly.

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You can take the test (VIA Signature Strengths Questionnaire) here, and its fascinating stuff:
http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/
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Your Top Strength - Judgment (really?), 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.

Your 2nd Strength - Love of learning
You love learning new things, whether in a class or on your own. You have always loved school, reading, and museums-anywhere and everywhere there is an opportunity to learn.

Your 3rd Strength - Appreciation of beauty and excellence
You notice and appreciate beauty, excellence, and/or skilled performance in all domains of life, from nature to art to mathematics to science to everyday experience.

Your 4th Strength - Creativity, ingenuity, and originality
Thinking of new ways to do things is a crucial part of who you are. You are never content with doing something the conventional way if a better way is possible.

Your 5th Strength - Spirituality, sense of purpose, and faith
You have strong and coherent beliefs about the higher purpose and meaning of the universe. You know where you fit in the larger scheme. Your beliefs shape your actions and are a source of comfort to you.

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Unsurprisingly, these are my worst (sorry Peter, my “least best“)

Strength#19 - Humor and playfulness
You like to laugh and tease. Bringing smiles to other people is important to you. You try to see the light side of all situations. Err i’m just sarcastic and cynical.

Strength#20 - Caution, prudence, and discretion
You are a careful person, and your choices are consistently prudent ones. You do not say or do things that you might later regret. Who would have thought?

Strength#21 - Forgiveness and mercy
You forgive those who have done you wrong. You always give people a second chance. Your guiding principle is mercy and not revenge. OK well i’m trying.

Strength#22 - Modesty and humility
You do not seek the spotlight, preferring to let your accomplishments speak for themselves. You do not regard yourself as special, and others recognize and value your modesty. That’s not exactly a surprise either.

Strength#23 - Self-control and self-regulation
You self-consciously regulate what you feel and what you do. You are a disciplined person. You are in control of your appetites and your emotions, not vice versa. Otherwise known as me saying “fuck it” to almost everything.

Strength#24 - Citizenship, teamwork, and loyalty
You excel as a member of a group. You are a loyal and dedicated teammate, you always do your share, and you work hard for the success of your group. I don’t do sharing and i’m not a team player. Fuck all of you lot.