The Flow State

How to enter the extraordinary, super-productive, super enjoyable state called "flow"!

Want to be so involved in what you're doing that time just flies by? Would you like to eliminate stress and yet be super-productive?

Most importantly, would you like to take your concentration and mental game to the max? If your answer is yes, then creating a personal Flow State is for you!

The following distinctions are based on the work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and his book "flow".

What are the benefits of a flow state?

In his book "Flow, the psychology of optimal experience", Mihaly Csikszentmihyallyi describes benefits of flow that include:

personal growth
improved energy
enormously heightened productivity
a much enhanced capability for enjoyment and happiness
reduction of self consciousness
less stress, less worry and less anxiety
a sense of one's life being more worthwhile
better use of time
extended periods of happiness

What is a "Flow" state?

Flow is a unique neuro-physiological state that results in extended periods of heightened concentration and deep enjoyment. It is a state of concentration that is so focused, it results in absolute absorption in an activity.

How to Enter a Flow State

Here are the 6 steps of "flow". I suggest that you pick one specific goal or subject to practice your state of flow on.

Go through this list of 6 steps while doing the activity, adding first one, then another until you are doing all six steps for an extended period of time.

Flow

1. Set a goal and several sub-goals

Be sure to pick something that allows you to exercise a sense of control over your actions and provides immediate feedback.

A challenging activity that requires skill is ideal. The sub-goals should give you a sense of discovery as you pursue them.

2. Determine how you will measure progress at the sub-goals

Make certain you can measure your progress in minute ways, and at every step along the way. Use the feedback of the experience to know how you are doing.

Enjoy the feeling that comes from making progress in small ways

3. Keep concentrating on what you're doing

Without any challenge, attention tends to wonder. Practice directing your attention to the subject (outside-directed, "attention to other") for longer and longer periods of time.

Each time your attention wonders, gently bring it back to the subject or another aspect of your subject.

4. Make finer and finer distinctions

About the subject or the challenge your are undergoing. Notice more and more subtle differences and distinctions in what you're doing. Become attentive to the details of your experience.

5. Develop the skills involved

Ongoing skill building is part of the flow state. Skill building causes a feeling of excitement at getting better and better. What are the skills related to your goal?

How will you get better? How will you know you're getting better?

6. Stay in the zone of challenge

Keep raising the level of what you are striving for, especially when the activity becomes boring. It is the challenge of an opportunity that causes us to concentrate.

Cultivate the habit of setting a more challenging goal whenever your subject gets boring or isn't holding your attention. This builds in the element of challenge and will cause you to continually make your subject compelling and interesting.

When you become frustrated or overwhelmed then reduce the level of your goal to make it more attainable.

By staying out of boredom and out of overwhelm, you will be able to stay in the zone of flow for much longer periods of time.

Good luck as you enjoy your new state of flow!

To share your flow state success, send me an an e-mail at AVanBuren@cox.net. I'll be happy to post your comments.

Sincerely,

Alexander

Back to All Seminars Page
Back to Time Management Program Page