Meaning

Pleasure

Strenghts
The Meaning, Pleasure, Strenght Process* by Tal Ben- Shahar, Ph.D.

Please begin the process by asking below mentioned questions and noting the trends emerge. Looking at the
answers and identifying areas of overlap can help us determine what kind of work would make us happier.
Generating accurate answers to these questions requires more effort than simply jotting down whatever leaps
to mind when, for instance, we try to think about what we find meaninful. Most of us have more or less readymade answers to such questions; these answers are usually true but may stop short of representing the full
range of experiences that we have found meaningful. We may need to spend time reflecting, thinking deeply to
recall those moments in our lives when we felt a sense of true purpose.
We may also need to spend some time considering the answers to the three questions. The lists we generate
may be long , and the way in which we phrase our answers may not make the areas of overlap immedately
apparent.
1.What gives me meaning ?
Pleasure is about the experience of positive emotions in the here and now, about present benefit;meaning
comes from having a sense of purpose, from the future benefit of our action. To live a meaningful life, we must
have a self-generated purpose that possesses personal significance rather than one that is dictated by societys
standards and expectations when we do experience this sense of purpose, we often feel as though we have
found our calling. As a George Bernard Show said, This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose
recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Different people find meaning in different things. We may find our
calling in starting up a business, working in a homeless shelter, raising children, or making furniture. The
important thing is to chose our purpose in accordance with out own values and passions.

What gives me pleasure?

Emotion plays a a pivotal role in all our pursuits. Emotions cause motion; they provide a motive that derives
our action. Emotion, motion and motvation are intimately linked. Make a mental list of things- from little things
to big one- that provide you with pleasure.

What are my strenghths? The deeds and competencies that I am good at

What gives me meaning ?

Finding/creating new ideas and solution to a problem

Fixing things
Making things work better
Testing and simulation
Innovation
Being the first or one of the best at something
Teaching people about my knowledge and sharing
High level of trust to/from somebody
Bringing different areas, ideas together to create something new
What gives me pleasure?
A group of close friends and a relationship
Jazz and improvisation
Sports activities
Meditation
Having freedom financially
My dog
Continous improvement
Being challenged
Doing presentations and giving speeches

What are my strenghths?

Effective time management
Being able to assess myself of the situation
Multi-tasking
Communication
Self-esteem
Can easily build trust in people
A great team player and glue factor
I can be a good leader

Im cold blooded and can think rationally when under stress