4/2/2023 0 Comments Access flowstateWhile the body of evidence on flow spans decades, specific research conducted on the neurocognitive basis of flow is still young. After spending his childhood and adolescence searching for the answer through philosophy, art and religion, he eventually stumbled upon psychology.Ĭsikszentmihalyi dedicated much of his life’s work to understanding and popularizing the concept of engaged concentration that he referred to as ‘flow.’Ī 2016 article by Bonaiuto et al (on which Csikszentmihaly was a co-author) refers to flow as depicting “the psychological mental state of a person who is immersed in an activity with energized concentration, optimal enjoyment, full involvement, and intrinsic interests, and who is usually focused, motivated, positive, energized, and aligned with the task at hand.”Īnother way of putting it is this: being ‘in flow’ or ‘in the flow state’ is what happens when you’re feeling and performing your best. And do more of that.įinding a flow state is about finding what works best for you.Famed Hungarian-American psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced ‘Me-high Cheek-sent-me-high’), was known reverentially as the ‘godfather of flow.’ Growing up in World War II’s Europe, Csikszentmihalyi became fascinated with figuring out what makes life worth living. Focus on what gives you the feeling of flow. The more you get into a flow state, the easier it will be to re-enter. ![]() But don’t be fooled by your mind, fight the urge to escape the work just because it’s challenging. Pay attention to your brain searching for an easy way outĪs a task grows more difficult, you may want to reach for your phone or mindlessly start surfing the internet. This means, the better we get at something, the more likely we’ll find flow.ġ1. Part of what helps us enter flow according to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is that we have the appropriate amount of ability, and confidence in that ability, to tackle a challenge. It may take some time to break into a state of flow. Similarly, many authors and entrepreneurs have claimed they are able to increase focus by looping one song.įlow may not happen automatically when you sit down at the piano, computer, or a canvas. Many forms of meditation are about harnessing the focus of repetition, like your breath or a mantra. Define what needs to be accomplished within a timeframe and get to work. It’s hard to find a state of flow if you’re doing it in a purposeless manner. Use goals and deadlines to your advantage Focusing on one item at a time gives you the best chance of finding flow.ħ. Multitasking on various projects is a flow state killer. Find a morning routine that works well for you and sets you up for success later that day. There’s a reason Michael Phelps followed the same precise routine before every race, not just to warm up physically, but also to center his mind for competition. I don’t meet with clients or potential clients on these days. I currently block two days a week, which allow for long stretches of writing, thinking and creating. Set aside substantial chunks of time uninterrupted by meetings. It may be diffusing essential oils or something as simple as having a coffee or water within arm’s reach. Having a non-cluttered space and listening to my favorite music helps me. Turning off all types of phone and computer notifications will help you find your flow.Ĭreate a work environment that is conducive to finding your flow state. Many creative professionals increase their odds of finding a state of flow by using website blockers to ensure they are not being easily distracted. Your phone, your email, your TV, and your doorbell are all hurting your chances of achieving a state of flow. Ask yourself: when am I executing rather than negotiating whether I should do something or not? ![]() Flow is a state of non-resistance and often causes you to forget hunger, thirst, and other worldly desires. You can do this by paying attention to how your physiology changes with certain activities like your breathing, posture, and energy level. Here are 12 tips for achieving more flow in your life, let’s dig into each one a little deeper. I am sometimes so wrapped up in my work that I forget about the noon meal…” It’s described in a letter from Albert Einstein’s to his son after hearing about his newfound love for piano: “That is the way to learn the most, when you are doing something with such enjoyment that you don’t notice that the time passes. For creative professionals such as artist, authors, engineers, and entrepreneurs it is often sought out because “flow” leads to extraordinarily productive periods of work. Pay attention to your brain searching for an easy way outįinding a state of flow is characterized by total serenity, belief in one’s self, inner clarity, complete focus and concentration, and loss of time. How to Achieve Flow State 12 tips for finding your state of flow
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