Does getting a D on a paper or not making the soccer team totally devastate you?

Do you have the nerve to say what you feel, share an opinion that might not be popular, speak in front of a crowd?

Will you rally for your beliefs, go the extra mile to help a friend in need?

Can you control the urge to bite someone’s head off when they piss you off?

These are tough questions. But they help define who you are—your character.

Character strengths make you stronger. They range from courage, compassion, resilience, hope, creativity, and social skills to integrity, self-knowledge, impulse control, future-mindedness, and wisdom. People often focus on their weaknesses, those characteristics they think need to be changed or fixed. But it’s just as important to recognize and focus on your strengths. This doesn’t mean ignoring problems or limitations, but rather realizing they are just one part of the whole person you are.

So what makes you, you?

Maybe it’s easy for you to talk to different kinds of people. Maybe you’re great with kids or animals, or you can make your dad laugh even after he’s had a rough day. Sometimes it helps to take a step back and remember all that you have going for you.

Recognizing your strengths is important, and you should wear them with pride. This doesn’t mean being conceited, but knowing that the things that make you exceptional also help you to meet challenges. There are always going to be some days when you just feel moody, tired, or depressed. This is when it’s most important to call on your strengths. It may sound a bit cheesy—but it’s vital to your happiness. This type of self-knowledge helps people to reach their full potential, meet their goals, and in short, to succeed.