You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
Purpose gives individuals the sense that they are put on this earth for a reason and that they are somehow connected with humanity or the universe. People who possess a sense of purpose believe that they were put on earth for a reason. That reason can have all kinds of
variety. It could be to create a unique invention, to bring joy through art or music, or to raise their children to become good people. These people have a true calling.
One of the most insightful and impactful researchers of this strength was Viktor Frankl, the author of Man’s Search for Meaning. Frankl analyzed and wrote about his experiences in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Frankl’s experiences taught him that purpose provides strength and that “Those who have a ‘why’ to life, can bear with almost any ‘how’.”
Virtue: Transcendence. These strengths allow people to rise above their troubles and find meaning in the larger
universe. The strengths of transcendence include appreciation of beauty and excellence, purpose, gratitude, optimism, and humor.
Individuals with this strength might be described as focused, purposeful, determined, resolute, goal-oriented, or a planner.
The content on this page is written for adults — and the character card linked below is our Grades 9–12 version. Our curriculum is differentiated by grade level, from Pre-K–12. Request free lessons to get a closer look at how P2 teaches character strengths across grade levels.
Having a clear sense of purpose in life, and a belief that you’re connected to a larger meaning, gives individuals strength. It allows them to persevere and find courage in trying circumstances, or lead with kindness and love even when it’s not reciprocated. Those with a sense of purpose have more meaning in their life — and are more fulfilled.
On a group level, purpose can be a powerful aligning element. It gives people a reason to continue on in hope and optimism, despite difficult circumstances. The sense of connection between people further strengthens their individual resolve and focus, which fortifies the group. When a group of individuals believe in something higher than themselves, their work can be exponentially greater.
“If you have a chance to accomplish something that will make things better for people coming behind you, and you don’t do that, you are wasting your time on this earth.”
- Roberto Clemente
“Align your personality with your purpose and no one can touch you.”
- Oprah Winfrey
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.”
- Viktor Frankl
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”
- John F. Kennedy
You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.
You notice and value the world’s beauty and people’s skills. You don’t take things for granted.
You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
You act with mental, moral, or physical strength even when you know things are difficult or scary.
You come up with new and original ways to think about and do things.
You like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
You like exploration and discovery. You ask lots of questions because you want to learn more about anything and everything.
You approach life with excitement and energy. You energize people around you.
You believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
You believe that all people have value. You approach situations with an unbiased mindset and treat everyone with respect.
You let go of anger toward those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.
You let go of anger toward those who have done wrong. You accept that people make mistakes.
You do not seek the spotlight. You let your actions speak for themselves.
Your choices reflect your values even when the choice is difficult. You are honest, keep your promises, and present yourself genuinely.
Your choices reflect your values even when the choice is difficult. You are honest, keep your promises, and present yourself genuinely.
You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people.
You are generous to others and you are never too busy to help out. You enjoy doing good deeds for other people.
You value each member of your group and inspire people to do their best.
You master new skills and topics on your own or in school.
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
You like to consider new ideas and try new things. You examine things from all sides and don’t jump to conclusions.
You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.
You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
You appreciate that people see things in different ways. You have the ability to understand the world from multiple points of view.
You plan for the future and achieve your goals by making careful everyday choices.
You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
You have beliefs about the meaning of life and your life’s purpose. You seek to be part of something greater than yourself.
You have the ability to control your emotions and behaviors. You think before you act.
You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
You are aware of other people’s thoughts and feelings. You understand why they do things.
You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.
You work well as a member of a group or team. You are loyal, reliable, and dedicated to helping your team achieve its goals.
P2 for Families gives parents simple, no-prep ways to talk about character strengths with their kids.