Picture this: you're sitting at your desk, completely engrossed in a project. The hours seem to pass by as you effortlessly tackle each task, your mind fully immersed in the present moment, each decision made intuitively. This feeling, often described as being 'in the zone', is what psychologists refer to as the flow state.
Whilst this feeling is commonly known as being in the zone, it is also referred to by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as the flow state. It's not as simple as flicking a switch or drinking an energy drink- achieving the flow state takes time and dedication. That's why I will look at the ways of achieving the flow state, how to utilise the power of flow and why it matters.
A brief introduction to the flow state
Although it's often simplified, there is more complexity to the flow state. The conditions for flow often mean that full undistracted attention is given to a task you're passionate about, which makes the hours spent on the activity feel like minutes.
During a flow state, although thoughts are still present, they may not be heard as much as normal. Games like chess produce many chances to experience flow, as there are opportunities to encounter opponents with similar skill levels and promotes increased concentration.
The flow state matters, as it often accompanies deep work. When we're in a deep working state, we produce our best work and learn at a faster rate.
The flow state also relies on the person enjoying the task/activity. If flow state conditions are met regularly, this indicates that the place of work fosters high-productivity working environments and has worthwhile tasks that contribute towards a bigger goal.
How to achieve the flow state
Achieving flow is linked to the ability to find meaning in your work. This is where the challenges usually arise, as only 15% of full-time employees do jobs they find engaging. Now, whilst it's not always achievable to work in a job we love and are truly passionate about, we may still be able to channel energy into projects that enhance opportunities for flow. When it's not achievable in your work life, this is where your personal life has to be harnessed to undertake projects or develop passions.
It's difficult to have flow experiences unless a commitment is made towards a goal with clear defined rules. When we have too much freedom (with the deadline or task) it leads to more opportunities to become distracted and minimises flow. This is why Csikszentmihalyi highlights that practicing flow is essential. Some of the ways to improve the chances of experiencing flow include:
💡 Concentrate all effort on one task (don't multitask)
📈 Set aside time of your day to focus (it could be as little as 10 minutes at first)
🏃 Ensure the task is the correct amount of difficulty (not too easy or too hard)
😁 Do something you enjoy and are passionate about (if possible)
To experience flow and to improve your skill level, the difficulty of the task, job or hobby can't stay the same. As I referenced in my previous post, this is where it's important to try things outside of your comfort zone (be realistic) and adjust accordingly. If the task difficulty is high, but you're achieving positive results, this may be a direct route to achieving flow.
Where the power lies
When the flow state is understood and used effectively, the power can be seen when 'performing' (e.g. completing tasks, competing in sport, etc). This is often shown in productivity levels, with one study indicating that people were five times more productive when in a flow state.
When flow is experienced, it has been suggested that dopamine is released in the brain; responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation and satisfaction. This highlights the potential for improved mood and feeling of accomplishment after experiencing the flow state, whilst also completing meaningful work.
The flow state doesn't have to be solely about work, it can also be your passions or hobbies. We are all addicted to our phones and social media (I'm not preaching, as this includes myself), which grants us tiny hits of dopamine from each use. Rather than being addicted to scrolling, maybe we should try to be addicted to the dopamine-inducing effects of experiencing flow.
In a fast-paced world, there is a real emphasis on the need to slow down, so maybe doing flow-based activities like reading, yoga or running is a way to switch off from current affairs or work, whilst still achieving peak psychological wellbeing.
Conclusions
This is by no means a complete tour of the complex world of flow, but it is a signpost to learn more about it. Prior to reading Csikszentmihalyi's book, I struggled to make sense of my reasoning for doing certain hobbies, nor did I even really consider flow as a factor in my life. So if there's one takeaway from this post, it would be to consider when you last did something you truly enjoyed; when the hours felt like minutes; when you came away from it feeling fulfilled. If it wasn't in the last few days, maybe it's time to rethink your job or hobbies.
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