The Meaning of Flow
Flow is a state of mind that occurs when you are entirely devoted to an activity or task.
The other day I was so engrossed in writing that I didn’t feel hungry. What a great way to lose weight! I wish I could be in this state more often.
Hmmm…I have been totally devoted to a bowl of chocolate ice cream but I don’t think that activity has had much research. It should. But I digress.
I want to look at flow as it impacts productivity and that would apply whether you are an athlete, a musician, or a writer.
People pay no attention to distractions when in a flow state. In short, time passes like the wind.
If you have ever felt completely consumed by a task, then you are experiencing what psychologists refer to as flow.
Getting to the flow state helps us feel better, boosts our self-esteem, and causes enjoyment. It brings us energy and a sense of belonging. Yes! I want that!
The Concept of Flow
Flow can be thought of as the holistic sensation that people feel when they act with total involvement. — Csikszentmihalyi
It’s important to understand this concept if we are to have a fun-filled and less complicated lifestyle.
According to positive psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi, flow is defined as a state of complete immersion in an activity.
Characteristics of Flow
● It is intrinsically rewarding – It feels like a gift, something to savor
● There is a sense of total control – I feel strong and competent when in a flow state.
● Flow is an enjoyable activity. No one wants to leave a state of flow, although it is unrealistic to experience it across several activities and times.
● When there is a balance between skill level and the challenge you are facing, flow is most likely
Importance of Finding Your Flow
People who believe in the concept of positive psychology will tell you that it is possible to explain and attach the flow state to the meaning of life.
Some of the things people seek in their quest for meaning are fortune, achievements, fame, and wealth. While all of these are good and worthy of being pursued, they are just externals.
They can all disappear and be taken away at any time which makes me question whether the true meaning of life is found here.
Other benefits of being in flow are more intrinsic and include positive feelings (“Oh, this is fun”), less stress (“That feels so much better”), and enhanced performance (“Wow! I just wrote 3 thousand words) which serve as motivation (I can’t wait to get back to this project).
Identifying Personal Flow-Triggers
Identifying your personal flow-triggers is essential if you want to experience the benefits above.
Remember, flow happens only when all your attention is concentrated on the present. In other words, flow-triggers refer to the things that direct concentration into what’s happening to you at any given moment. Now. And they can be categorized as
● Psychological triggers like feelings of excitement or curiosity
● Social triggers – might be being in the company of others also engaged in the same thing. I belong to an online writing group for just this reason.
● Environmental triggers – For me, having an uncluttered workspace is the most important aspect of staying in the flow, but certainly temperature and sounds like music and chatter impact staying in the flow.
● Creative triggers – In my opinion being able to envision a completed recipe, a watercolor painting or an essay impact staying in the flow the best
Finding your flow while working
I can easily experience flow when I am fishing or watching the sunset. But getting to that place at my desk or when cleaning the house is another story.
It takes practice to achieve and with time, you get better at getting in touch with your flow. Flow is neither mysterious nor mythical, but it is practical.
I find if I can concentrate on something that is not too hard I have a better chance but these three points are really the most important.
● Don’t stop practicing
● Have fun
● Do work that you love
A Bit of History on the Research
Flow state theory was identified and named in the 1970s by Mihaly Csikszentnihalyi. He investigated how people can continue to perform well, enjoy work and make it more meaningful even when they are not externally rewarded or motivated.
It was this research that led to the components needed to achieve a flow state and be very productive
- Clearly defined goals that have immediate feedback
- A high level of focus on a special topic
- Skills and challenges must be balanced
- A sense of control
- A feeling of effortlessness
- A change in perception of time
- Integration of action and consciousness
Sounds like what happens when I watch someone who loves gardening spend the afternoon turning the soil. Or when my dog curls up with a bone to chew. It is easy to understand how this flow state lowers stress, bringing joy and meaning.
One of the amazing things I have come to understand about living in the flow is how it affects all the other areas of my life. It gives me a sense of clarity on what is important, enhances my creativity, and ultimately increases my ability to produce more words on the page, fiddle tunes for the fun of it, and understand why I do all these things.
A good life is one that is characterized by complete immersion, baptism, and absorption into what is being done.
Overcoming flow interruptions
We live in a world rife with interruptions and distractions which can damage the productivity level in our daily lives.
Most of the time, notifications we get from our electronic devices, interruptions from our kids, or commercials on a TV show seem to add to our distraction and do not enhance our flow.
Many people get so used to interruptions and distractions that they go looking for them. It has been proven, however, that to really be in a state of flow, you need to manage them, not create more.
Understanding and Managing Distractions
So, the big question is, “How do I manage distractions?” The following tips will help you increase your flow state and also be more productive:
● Always ensure you have a plan the night before – The best thing that helps me is to review in writing what I did well at the end of each day and what needs improvement. Then I complete my next day’s calendar. I also keep a list of things I can accomplish in 10 minutes on an index card. When I take a break from a project I can pick one of those.
● Cut out distractions – My biggest distraction comes because I work on a computer screen all day and distractions come in the form of emails, newsletters, and sales. I find it helpful to close all browser windows except what I am working on but there are apps to help you focus.
● Set smaller goals -The 10-minute list mentioned above is an example
● Do not cheat sleep – this is a task all by itself and needs to be calendered with the same commitment as exercise and work projects.
● Unplug – I set a time every evening, usually after supper, when all devices are turned off and I read only books or magazines or I journal. Always a challenge in this digital age, but doing this a couple of hours before going to bed is one of the best ways to promote a good night’s sleep.
I hope these ideas have given you things to think about when it comes to being ‘in the flow’. Now it is time for me to unplug and procrastinate a little bit before moving on.
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