When we say that a strength enables optimal functioning, development and performance, we mean…

• Using your strengths allows you to be at your best in terms of psychological functioning.  People feel more engaged, more alive, more vigorous, and more in flow when they are using their strengths
  
  
• Strengths also allow optimal development.  We learn better in the areas where we are already strong. This is because strengths are pre-existing capacities, as described above: the neural networks – the brain wiring that underpins what we know and what we do – is already there for strengths, and it is easier for the brain to build on the pathways that it already has than it is to develop entirely new ones 
  
  
• Optimal performance follows naturally from optimal functioning and development. When people are at their psychological peak of functioning, being their most creative, energised, engaged and committed, and when they are learning fastest and applying that learning and development to what they do, it is no surprise that their best performances follow