Happiness Is an Action: Building Joy with the PERMA Model

Can happiness be created, or is it something that simply happens to us?
According to psychology, happiness isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action.

When we stop waiting for external approval and begin nurturing our own capacity for joy, we transform happiness from a passive hope into an active pursuit.

Why Are So Many People Unhappy?

Many people chase happiness by seeking validation from others or waiting for circumstances to change. This makes us vulnerable—our mood rises and falls with praise or criticism from outside.

Genuine happiness, however, is something we can build ourselves. With the right tools and mindset, we can become the source of happiness in our own lives.

Seligman’s PERMA Model: Five Ingredients of Lasting Happiness

Psychologist Martin Seligman, a leading figure in positive psychology, identified five essential components to a fulfilling and meaningful life. This model, known as PERMA, offers practical guidance for cultivating happiness:

1. Positive Emotions

Experiencing positive emotions helps us approach life with confidence, improve work efficiency, and increase creativity. Regularly practicing gratitude, savoring joyful moments, and focusing on the good can help us build this foundation.

2. Engagement (Flow)

Also known as “flow,” engagement is the state of being fully absorbed in an activity—whether it’s work or a hobby. When we lose track of time because we’re so involved and enjoying ourselves, we unlock a deep sense of satisfaction.

3. Relationships

Strong personal connections—family, friends, romantic partners—are at the core of our happiness. Social support provides comfort and resilience during difficult times and amplifies our joys during good ones.

4. Meaning

A sense of purpose gives our lives direction and energy. Whether it’s contributing to a cause, caring for loved ones, or following a personal mission, meaning elevates happiness from pleasure to fulfillment.

5. Accomplishments

Achieving goals, whether big or small, fuels our self-esteem and sense of progress. Celebrating even minor successes reinforces the belief that we are capable and moving forward in life.

Simple Steps to Put Happiness Into Action

How do we apply these ideas to daily life?

• Maintain a positive mindset.
• Invest yourself fully in both work and play.
• Appreciate the people by your side—parents, friends, or loved ones.
• Find contentment in daily routines, while keeping a sense of curiosity and adventure.

As a wise saying goes:
“Have something to do, someone to love, and something to look forward to—that is the best state of life.”

Assess Your Emotional Wellness

If you often struggle with challenges like stress, lack of motivation, or difficulties in relationships, evaluating your emotional wellness can be life-changing.
Try the Emotional Wellness Assessment at NaviPsy. This professional psychological test helps you:

• Recognize your real emotional state and unlock your potential
• Spot what’s holding you back before it causes trouble
• Gain tools and strategies to become more resilient and balanced

The assessment covers key emotional states—like anxiety, depression, hostility, and paranoia—so you can gain real insight and create lasting positive change.

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At NaviPsy, we are dedicated to making professional psychological support accessible, affordable, and empowering for everyone. We offer expert-designed assessments across four major categories: Relationship, Personality, Mental Health and Career. Each of our carefully crafted tests is grounded in well-established theoretical foundations, supported by the latest cutting-edge research, and backed by over a decade of our professional experience.