When you increase the level of one element – Engagement – it will have a ripple effect on the whole system. In this post I talk how feeling engaged at work has impacted my overall well-being, as per the PERMA model.

Engagement as a Gateway

Who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of engagement? For example, playing an instrument, dancing or working on an interesting project. We like to do more of what fully absorbs us. When we do things that engage us fully, we lose the sense of time and feel like being catapulted to a new dimension. Engagement can feel like a gateway to a better, richer world.

The founding fathers of positive psychology have recognized this attribute of feeling engaged in one’s tasks and included engagement as one of the fundamental components of human well-being. Engagement stands for the letter E in the acronym PERMA (Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Achievement). The theory says that if you improve your engagement, the overall well-being will increase.

It checks out, I’m pleased to report.

Since becoming absorbed in my latest professional endeavour, I can attest that my overall well-being has grown exponentially. While I knew it would be true – after all positive psychology is grounded in science – it is incredibly satisfying to test the theory in my own life and see the results. It’s the application of the knowledge that really makes a difference.

Walking on Sunshine

I have not felt this level of engagement in a long time. I start my days early and wrap them up late at night. There’s this rush of inspiration and profound appreciation for the creative co-workers who help me to transform my ideas into concrete products. On more than a couple of occasions I woke up in the middle of the night with the solution to the problem, I’ve been pondering the day before.

I joined this project in early October, after weeks and weeks of conversations – interviews if you will. The effort was worth it. My current role seems like a natural next step on my professional trajectory. I’m building something from scratch, being of service – by empowering others – and using and expanding my existing skills and expertise. And last but not least, I get to work with passionate, inspiring individuals. What else can a girl ask for?

I feel such a sense of purpose that I forget my dislike for talking on the phone! What the heck! I even had to adjust my phone plan to accommodate the new demands of my role. And not only didn’t I mind, I did it with a big smile on my face. Those who know me comment on the lightness of my step and the glow of my complexion. How’s that possible without getting my required 8 hours of sleep is still a mystery to me (and my aesthetician).

The level of engagement I express toward this project is so vast, it almost feels palpable. While I might not have the time for reading anymore, self-reflection or any other solitude-based activity, I enjoy riding this wave. Let’s hope it will last for a long time.