You may have already read in a LinkedIn post or heard in a Ted talk the term flow state. But do you know what the flow state is and how to reach it?
What is the flow state?
The flow state is a concept developed by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in 1990 in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. The flow state is the state where we are so absorbed by our task that our concentration is at its maximum and we become opaque to external distractions. In other words, flow is that moment when you are so focused that you don’t see the time passing.
Why is this important?
As we’ve said, the concept of flow is particularly fashionable lately, and it’s more than likely that you’ve heard the term before. But why do you talk about it so much? For several reasons, in particular because it is in the state of flow that we achieve our best results. When we are in a state of flow, we can produce in a short time the equivalent of what can sometimes take us several hours on bad days. Flow also has a positive impact on our well-being and motivation. Since we have accomplished great things in a short time, our sense of satisfaction is great which boosts our motivation.
How to reach it?
By respecting some rules we can all succeed in maximizing our chances to reach the flow state.
- Concentration: don’t look for it, you won’t be able to reach the flow state if you don’t position yourself in a situation that limits distractions (like your smartphone for example)
- Passion: it is likely that if you are not passionate about the task you are working on, you will have difficulties to reach the flow state.
- Risk: when the stakes are low, it is difficult to get fully involved in the project.
- Novelty: a familiar task will often have difficulty exciting you
- Complexity: the more complex a task is, the more challenging it is. Again, you will be more likely to achieve flow when the task is challenging.
- Common goals: working as a team and sharing goals also help to reach the flow state.
There are a number of other triggers for the flow state. And we invite you to watch Mihály Csíkszentmihályi’s Ted talk as well as Steven Kotler’s conference, another flow state specialist, to learn more.
Also remember that flow is not only a work-related state. It can be achieved in any other activity such as sports, driving, and certain discussions. So you have probably all experienced this state.
The limits of the flow state
As attractive as the flow state can be, it is not without flaws. Indeed, the flow state is a particularly tiring state that cannot be prolonged beyond 90 minutes generally. Although several factors make it easier to achieve it, many extrinsic factors limit the possibilities, it is not always easy to get away from distractions, we are not always in the mood to be passionate about what we are doing, not to mention the fact that it is sometimes rare that our work is exciting, risky or new.
You will have noticed that the flow state is a state that arises especially during complex, new, risky and exciting tasks. So don’t expect to reach this flow state when you are sorting your mails (although).
Don’t forget that the state of flow is not only related to work. It can be reached in any other activity such as sports, driving, and some discussions. You have probably all experienced this state, although it can sometimes be difficult to reach.
Now that you know a little more about the flow state, why not go a little further and learn more about innovation methods ?