F cubed, Flow Follows Focus.

Flow: An Introduction to a State of Mind

In my last article, we explored the trifecta of autonomy, mastery, and purpose. We learned the importance of isolated environments to shorten learning cycles with fast feedback, and the value of enhancing creativity by keeping your mission 10x. Today, I want to introduce you to a concept that we’ll be digging into more and more; at the core lies the answer to optimal human performance and staggering business results.

This system is a hack for missions looking to solve the world's biggest problems, but they are also the component of a state of consciousness known as flow. Flow is known as a state where we are selfless and timeless, and which induces effortlessness and richness (more on this in another article). Simply put, flow is defined as a state of consciousness where we feel and perform our best.

Most of us, one way or another, have experienced this state. It’s in those moments of total absorption where you lose all sense of self and time, and all aspects of performance are feverishly enhanced. It’s called “flow” because in this state, every decision and action leads effortlessly to the next. The result is a rich experience that produces top level results, creativity and problem solving.

John Hagel III helped perform a business study that showed that “top executives report being five times more productive during flow.” That’s a 500% increase. Hagel goes on to say, “In all our studies of extreme performance improvement, the organizations who covered the most distance in the shortest time were always the ones who were tapping into passion and finding flow.” Even Richard Branson says, “In two hours [in flow], I can accomplish tremendous things… it's like there’s no challenge I can’t meet.”

My personal experience with flow: after I wake up and make my bed, I hop on 10 of the most important calls I need to make for the day. Once I crush the first few, the rest become automatic. Then tackling my agenda and meetings for the day becomes that much easier for me – because I am now in the flow. I’ve been doing this process for the last 6 months – and it’s done miracles for my businesses.

Steven Kotler has spent fifteen years trying to answer the question of how to find flow on demand. It’s a deep question but these are waters I am determined to dive into. In future articles, we will be talking more about what triggers these flow states, according to Kotler, and my own personal experiences and ‘run-ins’ with this state of consciousness. Until then, there’s one important thing that you should know first. Flow is a state of total obsession.

F cubed, Flow Follows Focus. In your journey in finding flow in your life, the key is finding ways to heighten and tighten your focus. Drive massive intention and attention into the NOW and you will create the river bed for flow to follow.