Core Characteristics\u2028<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Flow occurs when three primary conditions are met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Clear goals and progress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Immediate feedback.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Balanced challenge, matching one\u2019s skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Psychologist (Me-High Cheek-sent-me-high) Mih\u00e1ly Cs\u00edkszentmih\u00e1lyi 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like I mentioned earlier, I am a flow-state junky. By the end of this post, if you\u2019re not one I hope to convince you that it is one of life\u2019s greatest experiences!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These are four general areas where flow state can be experienced:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Physical activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Creative Pursuits<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Intellectual Stimulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Relationships<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
There are many books on this topic. The most recent one I read, or I actually listened to it on audible, \u201cThe Rise of Superman<\/a><\/strong>\u201d by Steven Kotler\u2014which 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 \u201cneurochemical cocktail\u201d 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, let\u2019s 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\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019t want it to end\u2014I 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\u2019s when I am in the Bible, studying a hard book like Revelation and I feel the truth of the Bible and see something I\u2019ve never seen before, it feels so alive it\u2019s hard to explain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s another area for me! As I\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One more area I want to share: when I\u2019m writing and recording podcast episodes. It\u2019s like I have thoughts coming so fluidly without force or overthinking. It feels like it\u2019s coming from a different part of my brain. I truly lose track of time and when I\u2019m recording what I wrote I\u2019m like wow what was that. I also recently experienced this feeling when I was being interviewed on that Pony Tales podcast<\/a>, 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s a gift of our thinking brain. There are so many studies on this and so many books written. I find the topic fascinating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Flow State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Clarity of what you want<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Select a task that matches your skill level.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Define specific, achievable objectives (the process).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Create a challenge that slightly stretches your abilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Create a Flow Ritual<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Choose a consistent workspace, or if it\u2019s a physical activity, a consistent warm-up ritual both physical and mental.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Use a specific playlist or sound or positive affirmations to calm your mind and bring you into state.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Put yourself in a relaxed, excited state of belief and trust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Eliminate Distractions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Silence phone notifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you\u2019re 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\u2019t eliminate or control the distractions you can train your brain to be present.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Immerse Fully<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Practice mindful engagement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Focus on the present moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let go of performance anxiety.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Embrace the process, not don\u2019t focus on the outcome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Allow yourself to become absorbed in the task.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain a sense of calm curiosity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019m 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we wrap up today\u2019s 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\u2019t just for extreme athletes or high performers\u2014it\u2019s for YOU. It\u2019s a gift waiting to be unwrapped. So, tell me, what will YOU do this week to step into your flow? I can\u2019t wait to hear your stories!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n
![\"Smiling](\"http:\/\/livingyourbestlife60plus.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Monette-2024.jpg\")