Present Authoring: Virtues

Welcome to the Present Authoring: Virtues component of the Self-Authoring suite. This exercise

has been designed to allow you to do an in-depth analysis of some of the positive aspects or

virtues of your personality.

Completing the Exercise 2

On many pages, you will not be able to successfully click Next or Previous unless you have

provided a minimum of necessary text. If you do not, you will receive an error message, and the

text box in question will be highlighted in red.

Text boxes also have a maximum length. Pay attention, as you write, to the numbers above the

text boxes. Numbers like [180 / 1000] indicate that you have typed 180 characters out of a

maximum allowable of 1000. When you go over the maximum, the numbers above the text box

become red. Clicking Next, Previous, or Save will result in an error message and you will not be

able to proceed to the Next or Previous page. To resolve this, edit your text until the number of

characters is less than or equal to the maximum. These limitations have been established so that

you do not get stalled at any point in the process.

We do encourage you to write in some detail, however, subject to those limitations. Our research

indicates that better results are obtained as the amount written by participants increases.

There is a progress bar in the top right portion of the screen, which displays the percentage of the

exercise that you have already completed. If you hover over the bar with the mouse, you can see

approximately how much time it will still take to complete the exercise.

You may use the Index to jump to any page you have already completed. Clicking the [Index] link

will open the index. Clicking it again will close it. Remember to click Save to save any work on the

current page before using the index to jump to another page.

After you have completed the exercise, you will be taken to a Summary page. You can use that

page to email yourself a copy of your writing.

Background Knowledge
To complete the following exercise, there are a number of things that are useful to know (you may

have encountered this information previously if you have completed the faults analysis exercise,

but it might be worthwhile to review it):

Everybody's personality is composed of two higher-order traits. The first higher-order trait is

known as plasticity, and can be thought of as the tendency to be flexible, exploratory, curious and

quick to adapt. The second higher-order trait is known as stability, and can be thought of as the

tendency to be structured, organized, emotionally stable and focused.

[Index]

Plasticity
Plasticity, the first higher-order trait, can be further broken down into two sub-traits: Extraversion

(the tendency to be enthusiastic and dominant) and Openness (the tendency to be open-minded

and intelligent).

Extraversion (Outgoing vs Reserved)

• Sociable

• Active

• Adventurousness

• Positive

• Excitement-Seeking

• Gregarious

Openness (Original vs Traditional)

• Fantasy-prone

• Aesthetically-minded

• Philosophical

• Creative

• Intuitive

• Intellectual

[Index]

Stability
Stability, the second higher-order trait, can be further broken down into three sub-traits:

Conscientiousness (the tendency to be orderly and industrious), Emotional Stability (lack of

negative emotional volatility and the tendency to withdraw), and Agreeableness (politeness and

compassion, as opposed to belligerence or aggression).

Conscientiousness (Conscientious vs Carefree)

 • Competent

• Orderly

• Decisive

• Achievement-oriented

• Self-disciplined

• Deliberate

• Industrious

Emotional Stability (Calm vs Nervous)

• Anxious (reversed)

• Angry (reversed

• Hostile (reversed)

• Depressed (reversed)

• Self-Conscious (reversed)

• Vulnerable (reversed)

Agreeableness (Agreeable vs Assertive/Aggressive)

• Warm

• Trusting

• Straightforward

• Altruistic

• Modest

• Compliant

• Tender-minded

• Nice

[Index]

Impact of Personality Traits

There are advantages and disadvantages to each trait, particularly at the extremes. Extremely

sociable, extraverted people can be dominant and impulsive, while introverted, quiet people can

easily become isolated and depressed. Extremely open people can be scattered and overwhelmed

by their own thoughts and ideas, while closed-minded people may become narrow and inflexible.

Exceptionally conscientious people can be obsessive about order, judgmental and rigid, while their

more carefree counterparts may be messy, undisciplined and careless. People very high in
emotional stability may engage in risky, dangerous behavior, while those who are more neurotic

can become so preoccupied by anxiety and pain that they are unable to function. Finally, extremely

agreeable people may never stand up for themselves, while those who are too assertive can be

aggressive, callous and bullying.

[Index]

Change
Personality is reasonably stable over the lifespan, and is also powerfully influenced by hereditary or

genetic factors. Despite this, personality can broaden or even transform. As people age, for

example, they tend to become more agreeable, conscientious and emotionally stable.

Changing personality means changing habits of action, presumption and perception. Personality

change requires the formulation of clear future goals, as well as discipline and practice. People who

are too agreeable can learn to stand up for themselves. Disorderly people can become more

conscientious. Introverted people can become socially skilled. People who experience paralyzing

levels of negative emotion can learn to explore.

Extraversion/Introversion
Select Relevant Items

Please select the positive traits or virtues that apply to you. You can select up to 10 traits, and are

required to select at least 2. Be over-inclusive. Don’t worry if some of the positive descriptions are

less descriptive of you, as you will get to specify the most relevant positive attributes later, when

you make your final selections, prior to writing.

Can be the life of the party

Feel comfortable around people

Easily start conversations

Talk to a lot of different people at social occasions

Don't mind being the center of attention

Make friends easily

Can take charge and lead

Know how to captivate people

Feel at ease with people

Am skilled in handling social situations

Am often happy
 Make other people laugh and have fun

Am enthusiastic about new opportunities

Am fun to be around

Like to invite people out or at home to socialize

Can listen well

Do not dominate conversations

Am rarely or never too loud

Do not spend my money on a whim

Do not party or socialize excessively

Do not attract undue attention to myself

Do not always talk about myself

Am not grandiose or arrogant

Am comfortable alone

Enjoy time in natural surroundings

Do not always need to seek excitement or novelty

Am rarely impulsive

Do not always have to be the center of attention

Let other people have the spotlight

Think before I act

Openness/Traditionalism
Select Relevant Items

Please select the positive traits or virtues that apply to you. You can select up to 10 traits, and are

required to select at least 2. Be over-inclusive. Don’t worry if some of the positive descriptions are

less descriptive of you, as you will get to specify the most relevant positive attributes later, when

you make your final selections, prior to writing.

Am full of ideas

Am quick to understand things

Can handle a lot of information

Carry the conversation to a higher level

Catch on to things quickly

Have a rich vocabulary

 Am philosophically inclined

Have a vivid imagination

Am a creative person

Have excellent ideas

Am always learning new things

Spend time reflecting on things

Am entrepreneurial

Have a lot of insight into myself and others

Can always see new possibility in things

Believe that the tried and true way is the right way

Am a very sensible person

Never follow fads

Respect authority

See the value in tradition and custom

Do not believe in change for the sake of change

Am seldom or never bothered by strange thoughts or feelings

Am stable in my moral beliefs

Try not to introduce unnecessary change into my life

Am concerned that my parents or relatives approve of my decisions

Do not upset my parents or other cultural authorities with doubts and questions

Am a down-to-earth person

Am not flighty or unpredictable

Am seldom attracted by foolish, new-age ideas

Am resistant to radical, dangerous thoughts

Conscientiousness/Carelessness
Select Relevant Items

Please select the positive traits or virtues that apply to you. You can select up to 10 traits, and are

required to select at least 2. Be over-inclusive. Don’t worry if some of the positive descriptions are

less descriptive of you, as you will get to specify the most relevant positive attributes later, when

you make your final selections, prior to writing.

 Am always prepared

Have a very long attention span and can work without being distracted

Am exacting in my work

Continue until everything is perfect

Do things according to a plan

Strive for efficiency and economy

Get chores or tasks done right away

Have seen my tendency for hard work pay off

Love order and regularity

Make plans and stick to them

Pay attention to details

Am extremely reliable

Always arrive at appointments early or on time

Am very goal-oriented

Do what I say I am going to do

Have a relaxed, laid-back attitude

Can easily be spontaneous and enjoy the moment

Am not judgemental

Do not set my expectations too high

Am never perfectionistic

Do not feel that I always have to be in control

Do not impose a rigid set of standards on other people

Am not bothered when things don't go according to plan

Live in the moment

Don't get too caught up in my work

Am seldom bothered by disorder

Never do more work than is necessary

Am not too uptight

Know how to go with the flow

Don't waste my time thinking about little details

Emotional Stability/Low Stress Tolerance

Select Relevant Items
Please select the positive traits or virtues that apply to you. You can select up to 10 traits, and are

required to select at least 2. Be over-inclusive. Don’t worry if some of the positive descriptions are

less descriptive of you, as you will get to specify the most relevant positive attributes later, when

you make your final selections, prior to writing.

Am content with my physical appearance, despite its flaws

Am difficult to offend

Am in control of my emotions

Am not afraid of new people or social situations

Am rarely or never stopped from doing what I want by my fears

Am relaxed most of the time

Calm down quickly when I do get upset

Don't get caught up in my problems or blow things out of proportion

Rarely complain or grumble about things

Rarely get irritated or angry

Rarely or never suffer extreme anxiety, even when stressed

Rarely self-conscious, ashamed or embarrassed

Seldom feel depressed or blue

Seldom feel hurt

Seldom get disturbed or upset

Seldom do anything dangerous

Am rarely incautious

Feel enough shame if I do something stupid so I won't do it again

Make safety a top priority

Watch what I eat carefully

Am aware of potential trouble even when other people appear confident

Am protective and careful with little children

Will go to the doctor's office if there seems to be something wrong with me

Am very careful with my sexual behavior

Am a cautious, careful person

Don't rush into things before I feel comfortable

My higher levels of anxiety have kept me safer than some people I know

Am good at identifying the risks in new situations

Stay out of places that might have dangerous people in them

Stick to what I know and am comfortable with

[Index]

Agreeable/Assertive
Select Relevant Items

Please select the positive traits or virtues that apply to you. You can select up to 10 traits, and are

required to select at least 2. Be over-inclusive. Don’t worry if some of the positive descriptions are

less descriptive of you, as you will get to specify the most relevant positive attributes later, when

you make your final selections, prior to writing.

Trust people

Am interested in people

Am on good terms with nearly everyone

Feel others' emotions

Have a soft heart

Work very well with other people on teams

Inquire genuinely about others' well-being

Know how to comfort others

Love children

Make people feel at ease

Sympathize with others' feelings

Am a good peacemaker

Take time out for others

Truly care about others

Am a very loyal friend

Will stand up for myself

Am not easily swayed by emotions that might be manipulative

Am good at seeing beneath the surface of false good intentions

Am sceptical

Am not a martyr

Will not forgive easily if betrayed or deceived

Can see when people are playing games

Am not naively innocent

Am aware that malevolence exists in the world

Do not always believe what people promise

 Do not trust people too easily

Am very rarely taken advantage of

Will confront people if necessary

Can be demanding when the circumstances warrant

Am cautious of good intentions before proof is offered

[Index]

HABIT SELECTION

Here is a complete listing of the positive traits or virtues you selected:

[insert everything you selected]

Please look at this listing. Please select a smaller, focused set of traits that you would believe
characterize you most accurately, and that you could continue to employ with positive results in the
future. Imagine that you are trying to capitalize on your strengths. Click the traits that you think are
most typical of you, or are most important to you. We recommend selecting 6 to 9 items, but you
may select a greater or lesser number. Remember, however, that you will be asked to write for about
10 minutes for each virtue you select. When you have selected the most typical or important ones,
click Next. After you have finished this section, you will be asked to write about how this virtue
affected you positively in the past, what you might have done even better, and how you could
improve more generally in the future.

[Index]

Prioritize Your Selection

Here is a column containing your most typical or important positive traits or virtues, in no

particular order. Please rank order them from most to least relevant or important:

[insert everything you selected and prioritize it from 1 to x ]

[Index]

Describe an Experience
Virtue: [insert prioritized virtue 1 ]

Please write a short story (approximately 1,000 characters) about a time in your life when this

positive trait or virtue contributed to or created a situation that had a positive impact on your life.

Alternative Outcome
Virtue: [insert prioritized virtue 1 ]

Write a short paragraph about what you might have done differently in that situation, so that it

might have turned out even better.

Guidelines for general improvement

Virtue: [insert prioritized virtue 1 ]

Now that you've thought about how you might have improved things even more for yourself or

others in that particular situation, please think about this virtue in more general terms. How could

you work on capitalizing on this positive trait in general, so that you or others that you care about

benefit as much as possible?

[REPEAT the 3 steps for every prioritized virtue]

Describe an Experience
Alternative Outcome
Guidelines for general improvement
[...]

[Index]

Conclusion
You have now completed the positive traits or virtues identification section of the self-authoring

suite. Everything that you have written is available in the report. You may find it helpful to review

the virtues you have identified, as well as the ways that you plan on improving or capitalizing on

them.

You may also want to consider completing the faults analysis (the remainder of the present

authoring section), the past authoring or autobiography exercise, or the future authoring exercise,

which will help you understand what you want in the future (and how you might get it).
Your Virtues
Extraversion/Introversion

[insert selected]

Openness/Traditionalism

[insert selected]

Conscientiousness/Carelessness

[insert selected]

Emotional Stability/Low Stress Tolerance

[insert selected]

Agreeable/Assertive

[insert selected]

Virtues Analyses
Prioritized Virtue 1
• An Experience Due to the Positive Trait

• A Possible Alternative Outcome

• Guidelines for General Improvement

Prioritized Virtue 2
 • An Experience Due to the Positive Trait

• A Possible Alternative Outcome

• Guidelines for General Improvement

etc