May Be with You: Strengths Spotting in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Learn about Character Strengths using the universe - and learn how to strengths spot people in your own community.

What is Strengths Spotting?

When you notice others using their Character Strengths and you recognize them for it, that’s called Strengths Spotting.

An easy way to do this is to name the strength someone used, explain how they used it, and share why you appreciate their actions. You can use that format as a tool, but there is not a wrong way to Strengths Spot!

For example: “Ashoka, I saw you use your strength of leadership when you were helping train the rebels. I appreciated how you inspired everyone to fight back against injustice.”

Use the examples below to practice on your own!

Other Suggested Activities • Take the VIA Institute’s FREE online Character Strengths test. o Share your top Character Strengths with us on social media. • As a family, discuss moments you have used your Character Strengths to solve a problem. You can reference the chart at the end of this document if you need help remembering what they are. • Name one way you can try to work on one of your lesser strengths. • Choose a character or moment in one of your favorite movies, books, or TV shows. Strengths Spot that character by identifying a moment, quote, and what strengths you think they used. • Practice mindfulness today, just like the . Make your actions intentional as you go about your day. Is there something you can do to help someone in need? Is there a problem you can help solve? What are you thankful for? • Celebrate ( 4th) and Strengths Spot on your own. All films and TV shows are currently streaming on Disney+. • Read our blog post entitled, “A New Hope: Inspiring Change Through Star Wars.”

Strengths Spotting Practice

Watch the films and clips mentioned below. Work together to choose what strengths you think these characters are using. Use the name, explain, appreciate model to Strengths Spot these characters.

Choose other characters, not listed below, and try to Strengths Spot them as well!

1. Leia a. Film: The Force Awakens b. Moment: With the new threat of the looming , did not recognize them as a true threat. A group of Rebel veterans, led by General Leia Organza broke away to form the . c. Quote: “I would rather be a monster that believes in something, that would sacrifice everything to make the galaxy better, than be someone who sits on the sidelines and watches as if it has no consequences to them." d. Strengths: ______& ______2. Chirrut a. Film: b. Moment: Chirrut volunteers himself as one of the rogue Rebels to help steal the plans. A master switch needed to be flipped, so he stepped out into the open, while praying his Force chant. He was able to make it to the switch, before being killed in an explosion. c. Quote: “I am one with the Force.” d. Strengths: ______& ______3. a. Film: b. Moment: Star Wars’ original baddie, Darth Vader, has an amazing redemption story. After refusing to kill Vader, as orders, Palpatine uses Force lightning on Luke. Vader kills Palpatine to save Luke, but Vader is now mortally wounded. In his final moments, he admits to still having some good in him. c. Quote: “Just for once let me look on you with my own eyes. You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right.” d. Strengths: ______& ______4. a. TV Show: The Mandalorian b. Moment: After Mando returns to bring “The Child” to safety from the Empire and bounty hunters, the come out of hiding to protect their brethren, even knowing that it could endanger their existence. c. Quote: “Our secrecy is our survival. Our survival is our strength.” d. Strengths: ______& ______