We are in a mini-series on shifting our mindsets! This episode will continue with that theme. I’m so excited to talk about the topic of getting into flow state or as some like to call it: “getting into the zone.” If truth be known, I believe I am a flow-state junkie. How about yourself? I’ll explain flow-state, being in the zone, throughout this post. I want to start off with the definition: Flow state, also known as being “in the zone”, is a mental state of complete absorption and optimal performance characterized by several key features:
- Full immersion in an activity where action and consciousness merge.
- Heightened focus and concentration.
- Reduced self-consciousness.
- Altered perception of time.
- A perfect balance between task challenge and personal skill level.
Core Characteristics
Flow occurs when three primary conditions are met:
- Clear goals and progress.
- Immediate feedback.
- Balanced challenge, matching one’s skills.
Psychologist (Me-High Cheek-sent-me-high) Mihály Csíkszentmihályi first introduced this concept in the 1970s, describing it as a state where individuals are so deeply engaged that they lose track of everything else around them. During flow, people can be up to 5 times more productive than usual, experiencing a sense of effortless concentration and intrinsic motivation.
Like I mentioned earlier, I am a flow-state junky. By the end of this post, if you’re not one I hope to convince you that it is one of life’s greatest experiences!
These are four general areas where flow state can be experienced:
- Physical activities
- Creative Pursuits
- Intellectual Stimulation
- Relationships
There are many books on this topic. The most recent one I read, or I actually listened to it on audible, “The Rise of Superman” by Steven Kotler—which explores how extreme sports athletes use the flow state to push human performance boundaries. Kotler reveals how accessing this optimal state of consciousness allows athletes to accomplish seemingly impossible feats by entering a peak mental condition that dramatically enhances performance. He shares incredible stories and the science-based research on this topic. In the flow state, the body produces a “neurochemical cocktail” that includes dopamine (enhancing focus and motivation), norepinephrine (boosting attention and energy), endorphins (natural painkillers inducing euphoria), anandamide (promoting lateral thinking and creativity), and serotonin (creating a post-flow afterglow). As you know if you listen to many of my podcast episodes or read my posts here, I like to know the why behind something. This book did not disappoint. It goes deep into how the brain works!
So, let’s talk about this for you and me and what this means in our day to day lives. Since the beginning of the year each episode I’ve put out has focused on tools for us to create mindset shifts. I believe this one, pursuing flow, putting ourselves in the zone, is one of the most powerful of all of them so far. When you experience this state, it is euphoric and, I will have to say, addictive.
I’m going to share some personal stories. I am not an extreme sport person, but I feel we can be in flow state, or in the zone, in our different pursuits of life. As I share a few of these stories, I hope you will reflect on your own life, the interests, goals and dreams that you have where you can pursue flow-state.
I share my morning routine with you in so many posts. As a Christian, I start the morning in the Bible and prayer. There are times when I am so connected that I lose track of time, the feeling is so euphoric that I don’t want it to end—I truly feel the presence of the Lord. It is such a beautiful gift. Sometimes I feel this flow state during the praise and worship part of church. Sometimes it’s when I am in the Bible, studying a hard book like Revelation and I feel the truth of the Bible and see something I’ve never seen before, it feels so alive it’s hard to explain.
Here’s another area for me! As I’ve shared, I play tennis. This past year I had a 15-game winning streak with my tennis partner. As we played those matches it was like something I had never felt before, I found myself hitting shots and seeing the game like I had never seen it before. I knew we were going to win each match. It was like watching myself play while I was playing. Not overthinking, not overly excited or bored. Playing in a mentally peak state. It truly was euphoric.
One more area I want to share: when I’m writing and recording podcast episodes. It’s like I have thoughts coming so fluidly without force or overthinking. It feels like it’s coming from a different part of my brain. I truly lose track of time and when I’m recording what I wrote I’m like wow what was that. I also recently experienced this feeling when I was being interviewed on that Pony Tales podcast, the one where they interview alumni that worked for the Southwestern Company (the job I had through college). When the interview was over, I could hardly remember how I answered Andres questions. I was in flow state during that interview. I was recalling experiences and seeing stories from 30 plus years ago. It was an epic feeling!
As you were listening to my stories, what did that open for you? Can you relate with any of the experiences I shared? I believe flow state is available to everyone. It’s a gift of our thinking brain. There are so many studies on this and so many books written. I find the topic fascinating.
Now. I want to share a practical exercise for pursuing this state. This is very general, you will need to adjust it depending on your activity and whether if it is a physical activity, creative pursuit, intellectual pursuit or relationship. Here is the exercise:
For Flow State
Clarity of what you want
- Select a task that matches your skill level.
- Define specific, achievable objectives (the process).
- Create a challenge that slightly stretches your abilities.
Create a Flow Ritual
- Choose a consistent workspace, or if it’s a physical activity, a consistent warm-up ritual both physical and mental.
- Use a specific playlist or sound or positive affirmations to calm your mind and bring you into state.
- Put yourself in a relaxed, excited state of belief and trust.
Eliminate Distractions
- Silence phone notifications.
- If you’re doing a physical activity (like tennis) be aware of the outside distractions but take your focus and bring it into the task at hand. You can’t eliminate or control the distractions you can train your brain to be present.
Immerse Fully
- Practice mindful engagement.
- Focus on the present moment.
- Let go of performance anxiety.
- Embrace the process, not don’t focus on the outcome.
- Allow yourself to become absorbed in the task.
- Maintain a sense of calm curiosity.
The exercise I just shared is simple. Doing it is another thing; it takes discipline to attain this peak state. More mental than physical. We are in a world of so much information overload that to train our brain to focus on just one task is not easy. But I’m here to tell you. You want to experience life on a whole new level? I challenge you to master this mindset. This will change your life. The chemicals your body can produce naturally is absolutely incredible.
As we wrap up today’s topic of flow state, I want you to take a moment and really reflect. Where in your life are you holding back from experiencing this incredible, euphoric state of being? What activity, what passion, what dream could potentially unlock this incredible neurochemical experience for you? I challenge you to lean into that space, to trust the process, and to believe that you can experience life at a whole new level. Flow state isn’t just for extreme athletes or high performers—it’s for YOU. It’s a gift waiting to be unwrapped. So, tell me, what will YOU do this week to step into your flow? I can’t wait to hear your stories!
Monette hosts a weekly podcast: Mornings with Monette. She has been a lifelong learner and and appreciates the opportunity to share what she has learned–both through her podcast and here at The Best-Life Project (based on the content of her weekly podcast). Her messages are raw, honest and straight from the heart. She lives in Albuquerque, NM with her husband Leland. They have three adult children and are enjoying living their best lives filled with travel and adventure.