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Oversized bag of popcorn? Check.
No one blocking my view? Check.
A movie that is going to teach me about myself or inspire me? Let's tackle that one!
Movies can have immense power over us and inspire us to be brave, try something new, or take our lives to the next level. A character's story allows us to peer into someone else's world, and what we discover can teach us about our own lives and build awareness deep within us. If watched carefully, movies can be better than the best self-help books.
The key to turning the next flick you watch into a powerful learning tool is to "keep a look out for Character Strengths, especially the main character's Signature Strengths," recommends Ryan Niemiec, from the VIA Institute on Character.
Character Strengths come from a person's core. VIA's list of 24 Character Strengths includes: bravery, curiosity, kindness, fairness, gratitude, creativity, and leadership. As individuals, we express different levels of each of these strengths. Signature Strengths are the ones we use the most and "are very natural and easy for us to express," explains Niemiec.
Instead of simply getting wrapped up in the plot, pay attention to how the characters act during the movie. Which Character Strengths do they exhibit? Are those the right Character Strengths for them to use in that situation? Are they over-using or under-using them? For instance, in the 1984 classic "The Karate Kid," Daniel shows great perseverance and self-control as he learns karate from his instructor Mr. Miyagi. These signature strengths are some of the most important qualities that Daniel draws upon when he faces his archrival in the karate tournament at the end of the movie. (I won't say who wins because I don't want to ruin the movie for you if you haven't already seen it!)
After the theater lights come up, you can try spotting strengths in your own life. "Look for what really motivates you at times when you were functioning at your best. Think about stories of when things were going really well for you, and then look at what were the ingredients of those stories, " says Niemiec. He recommends asking: "What were some top qualities that were really shining forth from within me when I was functioning at my best?"
Research in the field of Positive Psychology has shown that increasingly expressing our Signature Strengths can lead to a happier, more fulfilled life. Niemiec suggests that we feel a greater sense of well-being because the more we express our top strengths, the more authentic we are being to our true core nature.
So the next time you head to the theater, don't miss the chance to look beyond the storyline to learn more about yourself and to find inspiration!
Michelle Gielan, a former CBS network news anchor, is pursuing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. You can follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
