If you’ve been searching for ways to improve your mindset, reduce stress, increase motivation, or create better work-life balance, you’re not alone.
Many of the entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, and busy professionals I coach have something in common:
They’re successful on paper—but they don’t always feel like they’re thriving.
They’re busy.
They’re accomplishing a lot.
But they’re also exhausted.
That’s where one of my favorite coaching frameworks comes in.
The PERMA Model, developed by positive psychology pioneer Dr. Martin Seligman, offers a practical roadmap for creating a life that feels successful—not just looks successful.
At Running Water Coaching, I use this framework alongside habit coaching, accountability, and performance coaching to help clients create sustainable success in both business and life.
What is the PERMA Model?
PERMA is one of the most respected well-being frameworks in positive psychology.
It focuses on five essential pillars of human flourishing:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishment
Instead of chasing happiness, PERMA helps you intentionally build a life filled with purpose, momentum, resilience, and fulfillment.
Whether you’re leading a business, raising a family, or simply trying to become the best version of yourself, strengthening these five areas creates lasting results.
P – Positive Emotion
Positive emotion isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges.
It’s about intentionally creating more gratitude, optimism, joy, and appreciation throughout your day.
Research shows people who regularly experience positive emotions tend to:
- Handle stress more effectively
- Make better decisions
- Build stronger relationships
- Recover from setbacks more quickly
Simple habits include:
- Writing down three things you’re grateful for each morning
- Celebrating progress instead of waiting for perfection
- Spending time outside
- Looking for what’s working instead of only focusing on problems
Small shifts create powerful momentum.
E – Engagement
Have you ever been so focused on a project that hours passed without you noticing?
That’s called flow, and it’s one of the highest-performing mental states we can experience.
Creating more engagement means intentionally designing your day around meaningful work.
Try to:
- Eliminate distractions
- Work in focused blocks
- Use your natural strengths
- Challenge yourself without overwhelming yourself
Being productive isn’t about doing more.
It’s about being fully present with what matters most.
R – Relationships
Study after study continues to show that meaningful relationships are one of the strongest predictors of long-term happiness and health.
No amount of professional success can replace strong personal connections.
Ask yourself:
- Who energizes me?
- Who deserves more of my attention?
- Who can I encourage today?
Whether you’re leading a company or raising a family, relationships are one of your greatest investments.
M – Meaning
Meaning gives direction to everything else.
When your work aligns with your values, motivation becomes more sustainable.
You create more meaning by:
- Clarifying what matters most
- Serving others
- Contributing to your community
- Connecting your daily habits to a bigger purpose
This is one of the biggest areas we explore inside my coaching practice because lasting motivation comes from purpose—not pressure.
A – Accomplishment
Goals matter.
Progress matters.
But consistency matters even more.
Accomplishment isn’t about perfection.
It’s about becoming the type of person who consistently follows through.
I encourage clients to:
- Set clear quarterly goals
- Track progress weekly
- Build habits instead of relying on motivation
- Celebrate milestones along the journey
Small wins compound over time.
Try Your Own PERMA Assessment
Take two minutes to rate yourself from 1–10 in each category:
- Positive Emotion
- Engagement
- Relationships
- Meaning
- Accomplishment
Which score is the lowest?
Now ask yourself:
What’s one small habit you could begin this week that would improve that area?
That’s exactly how lasting change begins.
Download Your Free PERMA Guide
I’ve created a free, printable PERMA Guide that includes:
- A simple explanation of each PERMA pillar
- A personal self-assessment
- Reflection questions
- A 90-day action plan
👉 DOWNLOAD THE FREE PERMA GUIDE
Looking for a Performance Coach in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, or Sacramento?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply know you’re capable of more, coaching can help you gain clarity, build better habits, and create lasting momentum.
At Running Water Coaching, I work with entrepreneurs, business owners, executives, professionals, and individuals throughout Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Sacramento, Granite Bay, Roseville, and across Northern California to improve performance while building healthier, more balanced lives.
Whether you’re growing your business, improving your health, strengthening relationships, or simply trying to feel more fulfilled, the goal isn’t to do more.
It’s to thrive.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a complimentary discovery call and let’s build a plan that helps you perform at your highest level—personally and professionally.