Is an optimal state of consciousness where we feel and perform our best. It happens when we are completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Your whole being is involved, and you’re using your skills to the utmost.

The Flow State

Those who experience the flow state report higher levels of productivity, creativity, and happiness for up to 3 days after it. Pushing ourselves just outside our comfort zone, stretching to accomplish a set goal and working toward that goal with focus, determination, and little distraction expands our minds and teaches us creative and innovative-skills that increase the quality of our work and life.

Benefits of the Flow state

<ol><li>Having clear goals about what you want to achieve</li><li>Concentration and focus</li><li>Participating in an intrinsically rewarding activity</li><li>Losing feelings of self-consciousness</li><li>Losing track of time passing</li><li>Being able to immediately judge your own progress; instant feedback on your performance</li><li>Knowing that your skills align with the goals of the task</li><li>Feeling control over the situation and the outcome</li><li>Lack of awareness of physical needs</li><li>Complete focus on the activity itself</li></ol>

Factors that often accompany the flow state

“Flow also happens when a person’s skills are fully involved in overcoming a challenge that is just about manageable, so it acts as a magnet for learning new skills and increasing challenges. If challenges are too low, one gets back to flow by increasing them. If challenges are too great, one can return to the flow state by learning new skills.”

Imagine the moment before running a race. Deep breaths behind the starting line keep your pounding heart at bay, and every second seems to be an eternity; yet, as soon as the starting gun sounds and your feet hit the track, every thought slides from your mind.

MIHALY CSÍKSZENTMIHÁLYI

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