We’ve all had those moments—sitting at our desks or in yet another meeting, staring blankly at a screen, wondering, Is this it? Success on paper, yet a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction. The truth is, many high-achieving women feel this way. They tick all the career boxes but miss the deeper sense of fulfillment. Enter the PERMA model—your guide to long-term well-being and high performance that doesn’t burn you out.
Developed by positive psychology pioneer Dr. Martin Seligman, PERMA stands for Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement. Think of it as your personal compass for a thriving life, not just an accomplished one.
1. Positive Emotion: The Power of Joy
No, this isn’t about pasting on a fake smile. Positive emotions—like gratitude, hope, and joy—fuel resilience and creativity. They don’t just feel good; they expand our capacity to think and solve problems.
Here’s where I get personal. Early in my career, I believed success meant grinding through exhaustion. Smiling was for holidays, not boardrooms. But when I started intentionally practicing gratitude and seeking joy in small wins, everything shifted. I made better decisions, connected with my team on a deeper level, and, dare I say, enjoyed my work more.
Try this: Keep a “What Went Well” journal. Each day, jot down three good things. Not just major milestones—tiny moments count, too. The more you train your brain to notice the good, the more it will find.
2. Engagement: Finding Your Flow
Ever been so absorbed in a task that time melted away? That’s flow. It happens when you’re fully immersed in an activity that challenges you but isn’t overwhelming. Engagement is what makes work feel less like work and more like a fulfilling pursuit.
The Fix: Identify your strengths (if you haven’t already, Gallup’s CliftonStrengths is a game-changer) and design your work around them. For example, my Relator strength means deep conversations energise me. So, I shape my coaching sessions to maximise meaningful dialogue. When we align work with our strengths, engagement skyrockets.
3. Relationships: Your Success Safety Net
No one thrives in isolation. Relationships—especially for women in male-dominated industries—are the silent fuel behind success and fulfillment.
Yet, many high achievers fall into the “I’ll do it myself” trap. I used to. I thought asking for help was a weakness. Until I learned that true confidence comes from connection, not solitary strength.
Action Step: Schedule connection time just like any other important meeting. A quick coffee chat with a mentor, a check-in with a friend, or even a voice note to a colleague can work wonders. Prioritise relationships, and watch your energy and success grow.
4. Meaning: The Deeper Why
High performers often chase success but feel empty once they “arrive.” That’s because achievement without meaning is like running on a treadmill—you’re moving, but where are you actually going?
Meaning comes from contributing to something bigger than yourself. It’s why I left the corporate world to coach. Helping women redefine success? That’s my fuel.
Your Turn: Ask yourself, What impact do I want to have? Maybe it’s mentoring younger women, championing diversity, or simply bringing more integrity to your industry. When you anchor your work in meaning, motivation becomes effortless.
5. Achievement: Beyond the Gold Stars
Yes, hitting goals is thrilling. But real achievement isn’t just about reaching milestones; it’s about continuous growth and self-mastery.
If you’re stuck in a cycle of checking off achievements but still feeling unsatisfied, pause and ask: Am I chasing external validation, or personal evolution?
Shift the focus: Set goals based on who you want to become, not just what you want to do. Instead of “I want a promotion,” try, “I want to develop leadership skills that inspire my team.” One leads to a fleeting high; the other fosters lasting fulfillment.
A Life Well-Lived
The PERMA model isn’t about perfection—it’s about intentionality. You don’t have to overhaul your life overnight. Start small. Pick one area and take a step. Then another.
Success isn’t just about how high you climb. It’s about how deeply you live. And that? That’s within your power to create.
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success!
Your Coach
Stephanie
Ready to Ignite Your SPARK?
As a Certified High Performance, Wayfinder and Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach, I’m here to support you on this transformative journey. Whether it’s in your career, health, or relationships, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and potential. Are you ready to embrace these inner shifts then let’s embark on this journey together!
Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!
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