Written by: Carlyn LaGrone

Have you ever felt like time was standing still and you knew exactly what to do?

Picture this: You’re fully immersed in the experience, taking one action after another, without thinking or distracting yourself. 

This is called the flow state.

In many ways, the flow state is very much like a state of meditation. Both external and internal noise and distractions fade away, and you’re left with the present moment. Just you and the current task at hand.

Popularized and written about in detail by renowned psychologist, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Professor Csikszentmihalyi examined what the flow state is, why it’s important, and how one is able to achieve it across various careers, activities and experiences. 

Continue Reading Here.

Key Learnings:

• Flow state: A state of deep immersion where distractions fade, similar to meditation. You are fully focused on the present task.
• Origin: Popularized by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who studied its significance and how to achieve it across different activities.
• Characteristics of flow: Full attention, passion, and immersion in a task, resulting in higher concentration, clarity, creativity, and productivity.
• Benefits: Removes mental obstacles like stress and doubt, creates a sense of clarity, and is often enjoyable.
• Conditions for flow:
  • A challenging but achievable task.
  • A clear goal.
  • Focus on the process rather than the outcome.
  • Lack of interruptions.
• Mindfulness: Practices like meditation help increase your ability to achieve and sustain flow.