Let’s start at the end:  here is how to be happy and well. This article is aimed at lawyers but it applies to all of us. Even those of us who are “retired.”

A final word about well being and happiness. A strong body of research demonstrates that people who maximize PERMA in their lives, are healthier, happier and more successful. As you set your work goals for 2013, how will you create a life of happiness and well being?

— Dr. Cindy Pladziewicz, via Lawyers, the Good Life and Work: What Really Matters in 2013 : Professional Development Perspectives.

PERMA? What’s that?

• Positive emotions
• Engagement
• Relationships
• Meaning
• Accomplishment

For the lawyers, you can easily relate to each of the descriptions the author has of why she was dissatisfied with the practice of law. Everyone else will have to interpolate but I don’t think that will be difficult.

I have been quite fortunate in my work life in that I can say I have enjoyed every job I ever had — well, perhaps with the exception of the wash-n-fold laundry job during college. Some might say I was just too dumb to know better. But I really did.

Everyone deserves to have the chance to do something with high PERMA scores. Sometimes you have to create that chance.

How will your PERMA be this year?