The PERMANENT Model of Well-Being has been created as the foundation of UW-Superior’s commitment to developing a mindfulness and well-being university. This well-being model aims to develop a common language and framework that can be implemented campus-wide.
The acronym PERMANENT was utilized due to the fit of the nine different domains and meaning of the word permanent: intended to last, lifelong.
This model has adopted three domains of Martin Seligman’s PERMA Model, and has been expanded to include six new domains that encompass a more “mind, body, spirit,” or holistic, approach to well-being. Each domain of this model is backed by established scientific evidence and teachable/learnable skills that have been shown to increase an individual’s well-being.
Present Moment Awareness: “Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”– Jon Kabat-Zinn
Emotional Intelligence: “(Emotional Intelligence) is the capacity to recognize our own feelings and those of others, to manage our emotions, and to interact effectively with others.” – Daniel Goleman
Relationships: “The only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people.” – George Vaillant
Meaning: “Our main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.” – Viktor Frankl
Achievement: “There is no magic to achievement. It is really about hard work, choices, and persistence.” – Michelle Obama
Needed Sleep: “Everything you do, you’ll do better with a good night’s sleep.” – Arianna Huffington
Exercise: “When it comes to health and well-being, regular exercise is about as close to a magic potion as you can get.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Nutrition: “Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food.” – Hippocrates
Thinking: “Habits of thinking need not be forever. One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last 20 years is that individuals can choose the way they think.” – Martin Seligman