The PERMA Model and a Flourishing Life: An Explainer.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to live a truly fulfilling and flourishing life? Is there a secret formula or a roadmap that can guide us toward lasting happiness and well-being? These are the questions that many women ponder as they head north of 50. The short answer is yes: much is known about the critical ingredients for a flourishing life. The most widely accepted and evidence-based model is the one that underpins my programs at Flourish After Fifty: the PERMA model.
The PERMA model is a framework developed by Dr. Martin Seligman, a renowned positive psychologist and author of several influential books on the subject, including "Authentic Happiness" and "Flourish". PERMA is an acronym that stands for Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. According to Seligman, these five elements are crucial for a person to experience a life of flourishing.
In more recent times, three more elements have been added to the PERMA framework under the banner of vitality: sleep, nutrition and physical exercise. This updated framework is referred to as PERMA +. In the coming weeks I will share more on each of the original PERMA elements, so you know what they mean and how to foster them in your life after fifty. In the meantime, let’s take a first look at each one.
Positive Emotions: Positive emotions are the foundation of well-being and happiness. They include feelings like joy, gratitude, contentment, and love. By cultivating positive emotions in our daily lives, we can enhance our overall well-being. This can be achieved through various activities such as practicing gratitude, savouring positive experiences, and engaging in activities that bring us joy. Taking the time to appreciate the small moments of happiness and finding pleasure in the present can significantly contribute to our overall sense of well-being.
Engagement: Engagement refers to the state of being fully absorbed and deeply involved in activities that bring us a sense of flow. Flow is a state of optimal experience where we are completely immersed in an activity, feeling a sense of timelessness and intense focus. Finding activities that challenge us and align with our strengths and interests can help us experience this state of engagement. Whether it's pursuing a hobby, participating in a sport, or engaging in creative endeavours, immersing ourselves in activities that bring us joy and a sense of purpose can greatly enhance our overall well-being.
Relationships: Building and nurturing positive relationships is another vital component of a flourishing life. We humans are social creatures, and our connections with others play a significant role in our happiness and well-being. Cultivating meaningful relationships, both with family and friends, and developing a sense of belonging in our communities are essential. Taking the time to connect with others, communicate effectively, and support one another through both the ups and downs of life can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched existence.
Meaning: Finding meaning and purpose in life is a fundamental human need. Having a sense of meaning involves understanding our values, identifying our passions, and aligning our actions with our beliefs. It's about living in accordance with our authentic selves and contributing to something greater than ourselves. Discovering and pursuing our life's purpose can give us a profound sense of fulfillment and provide a compass to guide us through life's challenges. This can involve engaging in activities that make a positive impact on others, contributing to a cause we believe in, or seeking personal growth and self-improvement.
Accomplishment: Setting and achieving meaningful goals is a crucial element of living a flourishing life. Accomplishment gives us a sense of mastery, competence, and satisfaction. It involves recognizing our strengths and utilizing them to overcome challenges and achieve desired outcomes. By setting realistic and attainable goals, we can experience a sense of progress and growth. Celebrating our achievements, no matter how small, can boost our self-confidence and motivation, leading to greater overall well-being.
While the PERMA model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the key elements of a flourishing life, it's important to remember that each person's journey is unique. What brings one individual joy and fulfillment may differ from another. The key is to reflect on these elements and find ways to incorporate them into our daily lives in a way that aligns with our values and preferences.
It's also worth noting that giving attention to the elements of the PERMA model in your life is not a one-time fix-all solution. Rather, it's a lifelong pursuit—a continuous process of self-reflection, growth, and adaptation. By regularly assessing and reassessing our lives in light of these components, we can make conscious choices that contribute to our overall well-being.
I believe the PERMA model offers a valuable framework for understanding the essential elements of a flourishing life. By incorporating positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment into our lives, we can cultivate lasting happiness and well-being. Remember, it's not about achieving perfection or ticking off boxes—it's about embracing these elements and finding a balance that works for you.