In our constant search for happiness and well-being, we often ask ourselves what we can do to feel more fulfilled and satisfied with our lives. In this sense, the PERMA Model appears, whose approach is based on increasing your chances of feeling happy.
Developed by psychologist Martin Seligman, the PERMA Model is a positive psychology theory that identifies five key elements that contribute to a person’s well-being and happiness. These elements are: Positive emotion, commitment, relationships, sense of meaning and achievement (or fulfillment).
Positive emotion
It refers to experiencing feelings of happiness, joy, gratitude and satisfaction. Cultivating positive emotions involves practicing gratitude, looking for activities that bring us joy, and learning to appreciate the small moments of everyday life.
Commitment
Aim to be completely immersed in an activity that absorbs us completely, whether it’s work, a hobby, or a passion. When we commit to something we are passionate about, we experience a constant flow of focus and enjoyment, which increases our sense of well-being.
Relations
Meaningful relationships are essential to our happiness and well-being. Cultivating deep, fulfilling connections with friends, family, and loved ones provides us with emotional support, helps us overcome challenges, and gives us a sense of belonging and connection.
Sense of meaning
Feeling that our lives have purpose and meaning is essential to our happiness. This involves identifying our personal values, goals, and beliefs, and working toward goals that are aligned with them. Finding meaning in what we do gives us a sense of direction and fulfillment.
Achievement (or Realization)
The last component of the PERMA Model is achievement, which refers to the pursuit and achievement of meaningful goals. Whether on a personal or professional level, setting challenging goals and working toward them provides us with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that positively contributes to our overall happiness and well-being.
How to integrate the PERMA Model into your life
Now that we know the five elements of the PERMA Model, it is important to understand how we can integrate them to increase our happiness and well-being:
- Practice gratitude daily: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for.
- Find activities that you are passionate about: Dedicate time to what brings you joy and completely absorbs you.
- Cultivate meaningful relationships: Prioritize spending quality time with your loved ones and work on developing strong, satisfying relationships.
- Reflect on your values and goals: Take time to identify what is important to you and set goals that are aligned with those values.
- Celebrate your achievements: Recognize your successes, big and small, and take a moment to celebrate your achievements and progress.
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