Flow States

A flow state (AKA being the “zone”), is the mental state in which a person engaging in an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the activity. In essence, flow is characterized by the complete absorption and satisfaction in what one is doing.​

Foundations

Flow state pre-requisites include:

  • Curiosity and passion
  • Autonomy
  • Clear goals
  • Total concentration
  • Immediate feedback
  • Creativity
  • Manageable Risk
  • Complexity
  • Deep immersion
  • Improvisation
  • The right balance of challenge and ability

Characteristics

  • Timelessness: Flow changes the perception of time. Past and future disappear when you enter the now

 

  • Practiced Ease: Often referred to as “effortless efforting” where action and awareness merge during a flow experience. Movements become almost automatic.

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  • Intrinsic motivation: The purpose of the activity is the activity itself. The work done in the flow state becomes a reward in itself.

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  • Disappearing sense of self: The inner critic, the voices of doubt, are silenced.

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  • Control: A feeling of having an adaptable grip on a situation.