Zest
"I feel vital and full of energy, I approach life feeling activated and enthusiastic."
Become Aware Of Your Strength
What is Zest?
Zest means approaching a situation, or life in general, with excitement and energy, not approaching tasks or activities halfway or halfheartedly. People who are high in zest are excited to get up in the morning, and they live their lives like an adventure. Zest is a dynamic strength that is directly related to physical and psychological wellness. This strength has the strongest ties to overall life satisfaction and a life of engagement.
Zest is a strength within the virtue category of courage, one of six virtues that subcategorize the 24 strengths. Courage describes strengths that help you exercise your will and face adversity. The other strengths in Courage are bravery, honesty, perseverance, and zest.
Explore and Apply Your Strength
Where does zest appear in your character strengths profile?
Research findings on the benefits of the strength of zest found zest is one of the two strengths most strongly connected with happiness. If you are high in zest you are likely to view your work as a calling in life, in that the work is deeply fulfilling, meaningful, and purposeful. Learn how to activate this strength and all of your other strengths with your personalized Total 24 Report.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Zest
- How does zest affect my daily life?
Zest influences the way you show up in the world, it can shape your focus, fuel your passion, and enhance your sense of purpose. People with high zest often look for the positive in their day-to-day experience, which can lead to greater well-being and satisfaction.
- Can zest help me handle stress or burnout?
Yes, cultivating zest can boost your resilience during difficult times. When you approach life with energy and optimism, you’re better equipped to manage challenges, reduce stress, and avoid burnout by aligning your actions with meaningful goals and signature strengths.
- Is zest something I can build over time?
Absolutely. While some people may naturally score high in zest on a personality characteristics test, it’s still a personality trait you can improve through intentional behaviors. Practices from positive psychology, such as savoring pleasure, practicing kindness, and setting good intentions, can help you build and sustain this strength.
- What’s the connection between zest and health?
There’s a strong link between zest and health outcomes. People who lead a zest life often report higher levels of vitality, which has a direct effect on both mental and physical well-being. Zest can also increase creativity, energy, and overall life satisfaction.
- How do I know if zest is one of my top strengths?
You can find out by taking the personality characteristics test or reviewing your VIA character strengths report. If zest appears among your top signature strengths, it means this strength plays a major role in how you think, feel, and act. For deeper insight, explore the personality report included in the VIA character strengths report to better understand how zest fits into your 24 character strengths profile.