Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise Worksheet (Free PDF Download)

Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise Worksheet example

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What is the Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise worksheet?

The Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise Worksheet asks a client to name three people and list what each is good at. The first is a fictional character from a book, movie or TV show, the second someone they know, and the third themselves. Each one asks for a description of how those strengths get used.

How to use the Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise worksheet

Run this one in session, in the order the sheet sets: fictional character first, then an inspiring person you know, then the client. Think about a fictional character is the easy opening, because naming strengths in someone invented costs a self-critical client nothing. Your clients can then transfer the same vocabulary to themselves on page two, where List your strengths sits with no prompt to lean on.

Three Good People Strengths- Spotting Exercise Worksheet Download – What’s Included

Two printable pages, not fillable. Page one holds two blocks: Think about a fictional character, then Think about an inspiring person you know. Each asks for a name, a list of their strengths, and a description of how they use them in everyday life. Page two turns to the client, with List your strengths and two prompts about everyday life and one specific challenge.

Based on VIA character strengths (Peterson & Seligman). Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character Strengths and Virtues. OUP.

Why this worksheet helps

The Three Good People strengths-spotting exercise is a positive psychology activity designed to help individuals recognize and appreciate the strengths of those around them.

Benefits of the Exercise

Positive Reinforcement: Recognizing and acknowledging strengths can boost the morale and self-esteem of the people you appreciate.
Strengthened Relationships: Sharing positive observations can enhance your relationships and create a more supportive environment.
Self-Awareness: Reflecting on others’ strengths can also help you become more aware of the qualities you value and might want to develop in yourself.

Why Our Three Good People Worksheet is Essential

Builds Resilience: Fosters a positive outlook and ability to cope with challenges.
Enhances Relationships: Deepens appreciation for supportive individuals in one’s life.

Boosts Self-Esteem:

Promotes self-confidence by recognizing personal strengths through others.

Frequently asked questions

What is the three good people exercise?

It is a strength-spotting task in three passes. The client names an inspiring fictional character, then an inspiring person they know, then themselves, and lists strengths for each. The order matters: strengths are easier to see in other people first, and the vocabulary built there carries over to the self.

What is strength spotting?

Strength spotting is the habit of naming what someone does well in concrete terms rather than in praise. The sheet frames it as a mindset and practices it on three targets. Peterson and Seligman’s character strengths give the vocabulary, so a client has words beyond nice and hard-working.

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Your Author

Tracy Collins, LCP

Tracy Collins is a licensed clinical psychologist with over six years of direct clinical experience in outpatient and telehealth settings. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, structured treatment planning, and measurable therapy outcomes. Tracy has extensive experience writing SOAP and DAP notes, developing insurance-compliant treatment plans, and aligning documentation with ICD-10 and DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. Her clinical approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, behavioral activation, exposure-based interventions, and mindfulness-based strategies to create structured and outcome-driven therapy plans. At Mentalyc, Tracy supports therapists by creating educational resources that simplify documentation workflows and improve treatment plan defensibility during audits.