The benefits of flow extend beyond just feeling good. Flow states can lead to peak performance, creativity, and a sense of fulfilment. Whether it’s an artist lost in their painting, a scientist absorbed in their research, or a CEO fully engaged in strategic planning... Flow can facilitate extraordinary achievements and personal growth.
But, what is it really? How can you actually aim to achieve this devine state of focus?
What is flow state?
Flow state is a psychological state where you become fully immersed in an activity, leading to enhanced performance and enjoyment. It is characterised by a sense of autonomous action and deep concentration, where you feel like your existence is temporarily suspended.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who pioneered the concept, describes flow state as:
"being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."
Characteristics of flow state
Flow is a state that anyone can find, it isn't limited to artists, musicians, or athletes. It can occur in various contexts, from sports and creative projects, to work and everyday activities.
To find out more about how people feel in flow state, Mihaly and his colleagues interviewed 8,000 people ranging from Dominican monks, to blind nuns, to Himalayan climbers - it's worth noting that these people all enjoy their work.
Regardless of the culture and education, they found seven conditions when a person is in flow:
- Intense focus: Total concentration on the task at hand
- Ecstasy: A sense of being outside reality
- Clarity: Clear goals and quick feedback
- Challenge/skill balance: The task must be challenging yet achievable with your skills
- Effortlessness: The activity feels almost automatic
- Time distortion: Hours can pass like minutes
- Loss of self-consciousness: A merging of action and awareness
How to find the flow state
Flow state is most likely to occur when both the challenge of the activity and the your skills are above the average levels. This is why flow isn't found in mundane tasks, or in unfamiliar activities. It requires finding a delicate balance, for example, if the challenge is too high it leads to anxiety, if too low it results in boredom.
Here are some suggested steps to find the flow state:
- Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve
- Implement feedback loops: Regularly check your progress
- Match skills to challenges: Choose tasks that push but don’t overwhelm you
- Remove distractions: Create an environment conducive to deep focus
- Engage in meaningful activities: Find purposeful activities that are rewarding
Flow state examples - CEOs, and Michael Jordan
Successful CEOs often describe their work in terms of flow, finding deep satisfaction and meaning in their jobs. They report that true success involves helping others while finding joy in the process. This synergy between personal satisfaction and professional responsibility exemplifies how flow can lead to a fulfilling life.
Michael Jordan is often cited when discussing flow, and for good reason. His success aligns closely with the concept of flow, his peak performance on the basketball court needed deep immersion and effortless execution. Jordan’s ability to maintain intense focus and seamlessly merge his skills with the challenges of high-stakes games exemplifies the flow state.
Ikigai and Flow State
The attributes of the Flow state resemble the Japanese principles of Ikigai (reason for being), finding fulfilment and meaning by balancing four fundamental elements:
- What You Love (Passion):
- What You Are Good At (Profession)
- What the World Needs (Mission)
- What You Can Be Paid For (Vocation)
If you find your Ikigai, you can find your Flow state.
Cultivating Flow in Everyday Life
Unlike a lot of the marketing on the internet, you can't achieve flow through a hack or a cheeky Lions Mane supplement. Instead, it’s essential to find activities/professions that naturally engage and challenge you. By continuously developing your skills and embracing new challenges, you can create opportunities for flow.
Final thoughts
Here are a couple things that I do to increase my chance of finding the flow state while running a start up:
- Brain and whole body health. Ensuring my brain is as optimised as possible is a no brainer (pun intended)
- Headphones. Headphones help you to instantly remove distractions and hyper focus on a task
- Choose the right environment. If I need to focus I find a busy environment actually helps me focus, it stops my mind wandering.
- Coffee.
