The World Needs You. Yes, You.

There are 24 character strengths identified in positive psychology and every single one of them matters right now. (You can explore them more deeply via the work of VIA Institute on Character). Dr Ryan Niemiec just posted a powerful poem to remind us why we need these strengths. I would like to share a version with you. It's a tool I use quite often in my work, helping leaders to remember who they are and teg resources that they have within themselves.

The World Needs You. Yes, You.

These days, you might be feeling powerless. Unsure. Wondering what difference you can really make when everything feels so out of control. It’s natural to want to shrink, to play small, or to wait it out until things feel “normal” again.

But here’s the truth:

The world needs you.

Not the perfect version of you. Not the one with all the answers. The real, human, heartful you with your unique strengths, perspectives, and quirks.

You might not feel like a superhero right now, but what you carry within you is powerful. Because character isn’t just a nice to have during challenging times. It’s essential.

So let’s remind ourselves and each other of the inner resources we do have. The quiet power that lives in our everyday strengths.

🧠 Creativity. The world needs your ways of coping, your hacks for making things work, your fresh ways of seeing problems and finding meaning in the mess.

💬 Curiosity. Ask questions. Be interested. Talk to people, not to fix them, but to hear them. Curiosity opens doors where judgment shuts them.

⚖️ Judgment. Not in the finger-pointing way, but in the “let’s see the whole picture” way. You have a thinking brain, use it to weigh up, slow down, and challenge the panic narratives.

📚 Love of Learning. You don’t have to master a new language or read a hundred books. But every time you learn something new about yourself, someone else, or the world, you grow. And we need that growth.

🌄 Perspective. When others are caught in the swirl of fear, your ability to zoom out, to name the bigger story, helps more than you know.

🦁 Bravery. You’re braver than you think. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbour or facing your own discomfort head-on, your courage counts.

🏃‍♀️ Perseverance. You’ve overcome before. Maybe not like this, but your ability to keep going, especially when you want to give up, that’s gold dust.

🪞 Honesty. Speak truthfully. Now is not the time for exaggeration, fake news, or sugar-coating. Be real. Be kind. But be real.

✨ Zest. Energy is contagious. We need people who light up, even briefly, with hope and joy. That spark in you, it matters.

💗 Love. Every small act of warmth, care, and genuine connection ripples out. Even a message, a smile, a moment of presence. It all counts.

🎁 Kindness. Generosity of spirit is a force of nature. Seek out small ways to give your time, your ear, your encouragement.

🧠 Social Intelligence. Tune in. Empathise. Read the room. Not just for efficiency, but for humanity.

🤝 Teamwork. You are not an island. None of us are. Whether in a family, a company, or a community, we rise by lifting each other.

⚖️ Fairness. Choose equity. Choose justice. Choose to lift others, not just protect yourself. This is a test of our values.

🌟 Leadership. Leadership is not about title right now. It’s about showing up. In your home, your group chat, your work team, lead with integrity.

🧘 Forgiveness. Let go. The world is intense. People are frayed. Choose to release old grudges and meet others where they are.

🌱 Humility. Be open to learning. Let go of being “right.” Sometimes the wisest move is stepping back and listening deeply.

🛡️ Prudence. Be cautious. Take care. Not from fear, but from wisdom. From love.

🧘‍♂️ Self-Regulation. Emotions are high. But anger doesn’t need to spread. Be the calm. Be the breath in the chaos.

🎨 Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence. Notice the good. The kindness. The resilience. Let it lift you, inspire you, remind you what’s possible.

🌈 Hope. Silver linings aren’t fluff—they’re lifelines. Offer them carefully, respectfully, but offer them.

🙏 Gratitude. Say thank you. To others, to yourself, to life. Gratitude is a powerful medicine in troubled times.

🎭 Humour. Yes, really. A chuckle, a light-hearted moment, a meme that makes you belly-laugh—these things heal.

🌍 Spirituality. Whether you believe in God, energy, or simply the power of human connection—remember: we’re all connected. What you do affects the whole.

Let’s be clear: none of this is about being perfect. This is about being human—fully, honestly, and generously human.

The world doesn’t need superheroes.

It needs people who remember who they are.

People who can live from their values, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

So maybe, just maybe, your greatest act of courage today is not fixing the world...

…but showing up in it, as you are.

Because the world needs you.

And we’re so glad you’re here.