To enhance readers' resilience and well-being, the Psychological Services Group (PSG) outlined in this issue four character strengths put forward by renowned psychologist Dr Martin Seligman under the virtue of Moderation.

Moderation aims at regulating human feelings or behaviours. This is important in balancing arrogance, the inborn tendency to pursue short-term pleasure, hatred and all kinds of extreme and unstable emotions. The character strengths under this virtue are Forgiveness, Modesty, Prudence and Self-regulation.

Forgiveness

People with Forgiveness let bygones be bygones, and are able to move on with their lives as well as to minimise, suspend or cancel punishment because they choose to let go of hatred.

Modest

Being modest means not preaching one's achievement, not seeking the spotlight, and acknowledging one's mistakes or imperfections. Modesty is more than how one acts, but it also reflects one's attitude of recognising self is not the centre of the universe.

Prudent

Prudent person takes into consideration one's personal future. Prudence is a form of practical reasoning and self-management that allows one to achieve long-term goals effectively by considering carefully the consequences of any actions taken.

Self-regulation

Self-regulation could be enhanced through the following means:

1. Keep a journal – Make recording your daily life and activities a habit and check your own time use. Record your actual activities and cross check with your ideal schedules regularly. Any major discrepancies between the two schedules may suggest you have not filled up leisure time with meaningful activities as you have wished.

2. Analyse areas of self-regulation – One should have a better understanding about which areas or behaviours to exercise more self-regulation. For example, one should have more regulation on diet and exercise habits against unwanted weight gain.

A full version of this article with suggestions on how officers can apply their own character strengths in their daily life will be uploaded to the Police Intranet (POINT) and the PSG website.