Character Assassination or Assessment?

Discover A Kinder, Happier, Healthier You

May 31, 2021

Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. ~ John Wooden

As early as 460 B.C. Hippocrates said that humans had personalities that were influenced by four different ‘humors’ consisting of black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. These ‘humors’ were responsible for both physical and mental well being, including a person’s personality.

Blood letting was an ancient practice to help restore balance to mental health and personalities. Perhaps this was the origin of personality assessments and treatment.

Personality Assessments All the Rage

Since the 1900’s personality assessments have sky-rocketed (and fortunately no longer include blood letting).

Today’s list includes Myers-Briggs, Truity, High5, DiSC, Hexaco, NEO, Eysenck, Minnesota Multiphase, The Birkman Method, Hogan, and dozens of others.

Neurotic Liar?

The Eysenck Personality Inventory is particularly fascinating. It has four broad categories, Stable, Extrovert, Introvert, and Neurotic.

The questionnaire generates three scores, one that shows how extroverted you are, one that shows how neurotic you are, and one that measures how much you have lied on the questionnaire in order to be socially desirable! Yikes.

Here’s the link in case you dare to take that test. Good luck!

VIA Assessment

There is another assessment that I think is much kinder. It focuses on the core aspects of human goodness rather than your personality type. It’s called the VIA Character Assessment.

In the early 2000’s, scientists discovered that there are 24 character traits that make up what is best about our personalities. Every one of us has all 24 traits, just in varying degrees. These traits have been proven to be true across all cultures and all nations.

I took the VIA assessment and was SO relieved that I didn’t turn out to be a neurotic liar! It seemed like more of a character assessment instead of a character assassination.

The assessment is free, unless you want the follow up report.

Benefits of Taking the VIA Assessment

Based on your answers, the VIA Assessment results show you your top 4 character traits and then work their way down to your least effective traits.

If you consider yourself a kind person, or you are working on being kinder, happier, or healthier, these results can be an eye opener, showing you where you are strong and where you have opportunities to improve.

A visit to VIA’s page describing the 24 traits lets you explore each trait in more detail. Simply hover over each ‘trait’ for a broader ‘pop-up’ description.

Research has shown that people who use their character strengths have more self-esteem and a stronger ability to manage situations. They are more effective in progressing toward their goals and are more resistant to depression and anxiety. When partners both take the VIA assessment, the results can lead to better understanding and better relationships.

What that means for you is, you’ll be better able to manage your life, your health, your goals, and your relationships. And it can all start with a simple kindness assessment.

How to Take the VIA Assessment

So go ahead, give the VIA Assessment a try. It just takes a few minutes to be on the way to a kinder, happier, healthier you. And let me know what you think.