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When developing goals, focus on character strengths—who to become, not just what to achieve.

Character strengths differ from personality traits in that they require discernment and calibration.

Optimizing character strengths requires tailoring them to fit specific situations and people.

This post is part 6 of a mini-series on virtues and vices associated with gratitude.

If you’re in the midst of formulating life goals, consider a simple shift: Focus less on what goals and more on who goals.

Instead of listing accomplishments to check off by the end of the year, ask: Who do you want to be when the year is over? That’s often a more motivating question than what you want to accomplish.

Who goals are more inspiring and energizing than what goals. Try this journaling exercise: Imagine it’s the last week of the year. You’ve become a better version of yourself. What would you be doing differently? What would others notice about you? Write in detail about this future you.

Identifying Your Desired Character Strengths

Who goals are deeply connected to the character strengths we want to cultivate. (I use the term character strength, though philosophers and some psychologists use virtue. You can think of them as interchangeable.)

A character strength is a habitual quality of character that helps you live well and be a good human being. Character strengths benefit you, others, and society.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a non-exhaustive list of character strengths/virtues. Pick one that inspires you.

Suppose you’ve identified a character strength to develop. What does it look like at its best?

This is where character strengths differ from personality traits. Personality traits are about consistency. Doing more is what matters. A person who is regularly warm, gregarious, and energetic across situations can be described as highly extraverted.

But character strengths are different. Yes, they require habitual........

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