WELLBEING
Learn how you can cultivate wellbeing in support of your pursuit of ambitious life goals.
We strivers are wired to think that the extrinsic rewards of achievement – wealth, recognition, status, and power – will make us happy. But pursuing these “externals” paradoxically leads to disappointment when our receipt of the “reward” fails to provide lasting benefit. We are left wondering why we’re not happy and falling short of our full potential.
Counter to our instincts and cultural programming, research suggests the cultivation of wellbeing enables us to achieve more, fostering a virtuous cycle of achievement and wellbeing.
Across centuries, philosophers and scientists have pursued a deeper understanding of the source and practices of wellbeing. A common understanding has emerged between the observations and practices of Stoic philosophers and the evidence-based science of modern positive psychologists.
THE STOIC VIEW OF WELLBEING:
Stoic philosophers viewed wellbeing, or eudaimonia, as a state achieved through living in accordance with nature and reason. They emphasized that true happiness wasn’t dependent on external circumstances like wealth, health, or social status, but rather on internal virtues such as wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. By focusing on what was within their control—their judgments and actions—they believed individuals could cultivate inner peace and resilience. This involved accepting what they couldn’t change, controlling their reactions to external events, and aligning their will with the rational order of the universe, thereby attaining a life of tranquility and virtuous flourishing.
SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF WELLBEING:
Positive psychologists define wellbeing as more than just the absence of negative states; it’s a state of flourishing, encompassing various elements that contribute to a fulfilling life. A prominent model, Seligman’s PERMA® model, highlights these key components: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. Cultivating wellbeing involves actively fostering these elements. This can be achieved through practices like savoring positive experiences, engaging in activities that induce “flow,” nurturing meaningful connections, identifying and living in accordance with personal values, and setting and achieving realistic goals.
You have agency in cultivating your wellbeing. Wellbeing is not a destination; it is a direction that stems from the conscious application of evidence-based practices.
"Well-being is attained little by little, and nevertheless is no little thing itself."
- ZENO OF CITIUM
Begin the pathway to mastering your wellbeing with a no-cost PERMAH Life Evaluation.