Another Year (or 3), another VIA Strengths Test

See how I've changed since 2015 

Also my Myers-Briggs is ENFJ if you were wondering (you probably weren't)...helps with understanding my answers below.

Your Top Strength

Kindness and generosity -

You are kind and generous to others, and you are never too busy to do a favor. You enjoy doing good deeds for others, even if you do not know them well.
I guess this isn’t surprising, being in Chicago. Even though this replaced Spirituality as my top strength, I truly believe kindness and selflessness are the marks of a sanctified life (and many theologians agree). Truly to be Christ-like is to love and be kind to others (though I don’t know how this is different from the Strength “Capacity to love and be loved”). So I am glad this jumped from #3 to #1.

Your Second Strength

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.
This was #9 before, so I’ve definitely improved as a team player, though I think it is the loyalty trait that really defines me, as I don’t really have that much loyalty to my country or any nation really. Like I’ve said before, I am the embodiment of loyalty, both to my friends as well as my favorite things.

Strength #3

Leadership -

You excel at the tasks of leadership: encouraging a group to get things done and preserving harmony within the group by making everyone feel included. You do a good job organizing activities and seeing that they happen.
I have always felt along the lines of becoming a leader because I was chosen, not because I choose to be a leader. I believe those who don’t seek to be a leader become the best leaders. I am not sure how I take this, but I am good at teaching at least. Interesting to see it jump from #5 to #3.

Strength #4

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.
This jumped from #6 to #4. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm “thoughtful face” taking a leaf out of Robert Jordan. But ya I definitely like to plan and be careful, which stems from my strong J character (Myers-Briggs).

Strength #5

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.
I think in 2015 I was coming from the ACF/Pittsburgh/CMU high of being spiritually and theologically fed, so naturally my faith and sense of purpose was at its peak. Though I think my faith has slowly matured in many ways, the drop in rank probably has to do with being less dogmatic about my theology and more on just loving people and loving on people (hence Kindness being my #1 strength). Also I’ve kind of loss a bit of my sense of purpose in the world, and am still exploring and asking questions about what God specifically wants me to do in my immediate future, and also caring less about that, despite growing older and older and getting more and more weak as I age. Sitting at the foot of the Cross and looking towards Eternity has made looking upon my immediate future and purpose less important me thinks.

Strength #6

Judgment, 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.\
Again this dropped from #2 to #6 because I’ve started to care less and less about research and science and more on people (again). I feel like I am going back to my roots as not an intellectual, but more a social person.

Strength #7

Fairness, equity, and justice -

Treating all people fairly is one of your abiding principles. You do not let your personal feelings bias your decisions about other people. You give everyone a chance.
No change! Good being fair and having a strong sense of justice are good things. Especially in light of movements sweeping through the world right now.

Strength #8

Perspective wisdom -

Although you may not think of yourself as wise, your friends hold this view of you. They value your perspective on matters and turn to you for advice. You have a way of looking at the world that makes sense to others and to yourself.
Honestly I am not sure why this has jumped from #12. But still wisdom is good.

Strength #9

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.
Again this dropped similar to the Judgement strength, going from #4 all the way to #9. I have really shifted from an academic into a people-person, as I should be and was made to be.

Strength #10

Honesty, authenticity, and genuineness -

You are an honest person, not only by speaking the truth but by living your life in a genuine and authentic way. You are down to earth and without pretense; you are a "real" person.
I think at the core of this strength is really just anti-millennialism and the desire to seek authentic and organic fellowship in the church. Again like I mentioned in 2015, I don’t really think I’m that honest of a person, but I guess I don’t lie, just withhold information about myself. I am loyal to who I am, and what I am is very different from the general Asian-American population.

Strength #11

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.
Ew…this dropped (from #8 to #11). Still, like in the Gospel, being selfless and caring for others and seeing others above yourself is humility. I think I answered questions about defending myself and understanding myself more positively led to this drop. Still, humility is key to a Christian life.

Strength #12

Capacity to love and be loved -

You value close relations with others, in particular those in which sharing and caring are reciprocated. The people to whom you feel most close are the same people who feel most close to you.
This bumped up a little, as I have been learning to let others love and care for me more as I seek more and more accountability. I am also more and more grateful for those who keep in touch with me regularly and ask how I am doing spiritually, mentally, and physically. Also thankful for W and C for always sending me Hong Kong snacks.

Strength #13

Social intelligence -

You are aware of the motives and feelings of other people. You know what to do to fit in to different social situations, and you know what to do to put others at ease.
I definitely feel like as I grow older, I am becoming more comfortable around people and understand people better. Life experience is very important. #19 to #13.

Strength #14

Bravery and valor -

You are a courageous person who does not shrink from threat, challenge, difficulty, or pain. You speak up for what is right even if there is opposition. You act on your convictions.
I’ve learned to shut my mouth and listen more and not be so dogmatic. If that is considered “less brave” then I’ll take it. #10 to #14.

Strength #15

Gratitude -

You are aware of the good things that happen to you, and you never take them for granted. Your friends and family members know that you are a grateful person because you always take the time to express your thanks.
It’s improving…learning how to accept care and love unconditionally without having the urge to pay people back. Bumped up by 1.

Strength #16

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.
Ya I’ve used to be harsher on other forms of art, and now I have slowly come to appreciate beauty and excellence more. I am still on the side of not glorifying excellence, especially human excellence, but I’ve come to respect things like art or music, and I’ve still adore natural beauty in the world. Creation points to the Creator. Man’s creation points to man’s desire to be god though…(#20 to #16).

Strength #17

Industry, diligence, and perseverance -

You work hard to finish what you start. No matter the project, you "get it out the door" in timely fashion. You do not get distracted when you work, and you take satisfaction in completing tasks.
Eh I’ve become more lazy. Gone are the days where I was the first to turn in my Masters Thesis. Oh well. I’m still a PhD student and still working hard. Just don’t feel like I enjoy it more. #14 to #18.

Strength #18

Curiosity and interest in the world -

You are curious about everything. You are always asking questions, and you find all subjects and topics fascinating. You like exploration and discovery.
This most likely has jumped up because of Vision School and my opened eyes to different cultures around the world and the need of them needing the Gospel. There is a beauty in diversity. #21 to #18.

Strength #19

Hope, optimism, and future-mindedness -

You expect the best in the future, and you work to achieve it. You believe that the future is something that you can control.
Being beaten (both metaphorically and literally in the streets of Chicago) has left more scars in my heart, and as someone growing older but still haven’t moved much in a worldly perspective, hope and optimism are friends who have gone afar and the distance is finally taking effect. Still, I will boast in the Cross alone. #15 to #19.

Strength #20

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.
Something must always take a hit, and again as I grow older I put authenticity in front of originality. #17 to #20.

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.
I’M IMPROVING GOD! This will be a lifelong battle. #23 to #21.

Strength #22

Zest, enthusiasm, and energy -

Regardless of what you do, you approach it with excitement and energy. You never do anything halfway or halfheartedly. For you, life is an adventure.
I am not a very carefree person like Guido Orefice from the movie Life is Beautiful, and I also don’t think I was made to be like that person. So this is fine. I have my excitable moments. This has also jumped a tiny bit too. Again something must take a hit. #24 to #22.

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.
Ugh again I chose “highly disagree” to the question about the cookies. #22 to #23.

Strength #24

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.
Again something must take a hit, and it might as well be Humor. I am humorous and playful when it counts, and serious when it counts. Unfortunately, life throws us many lemons, so seriousness is usually the correct state of being in our day-to-day lives. Interesting how this use to be #18. I am always humorous by accident, but also usually not at my expense. I’ll take it.