Go with the Flow

I’ve missed writing an article here and there over the last several months because I was looking for “flow.”? No, not the Progressive lady, but my flow. Flow is the mental state in which a person performing some activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. You’ve heard professional athletes say they’re “in the zone” or “locked in.”

It’s defining what brings you energy and joy. In his book The 6 Types of Working Genius, Patrick Lencioni creates a model for describing our God-given talents. According to Lencioni, six distinct types of talents or geniuses are required to accomplish any endeavor. The top two geniuses or gifts are the areas where we get energy, joy, and passion. If interested, here’s the link to take the survey and discover your “Working Genius.” For me, I have been on a “flow” hunt since I retired two years ago.

You say, Bill, what’s this nonsense of looking for your flow when you are retired? I’d tell you it’s a real thing. When I announced to my wife, Kim, I was going to retire, she challenged me to tell her what I would do with all my newly found free time. And it took some convincing that I wouldn’t sit on the couch eating bon bons (which I’ve never done, but you get the point). For me, flow has come and gone over the last two years, but here’s a formula I use to try to stay in it for as long as I can. In no particular order, I do the following:

1. Check my dream list. I just re-read the Dream Manager (thank you, JJ), and it is a great reminder about having written dreams (and goals) to pursue.
2. Work on getting better every day - physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. What am I doing to ‘work harder on myself than I do on my job’? Or, in my case - on my retirement.
3. Stay connected with my truth-tellers in my life. I like to call them my Nathans, people who really know me and hold me accountable.
4. Have fun! This is one of my 13 leadership principles that has been part of who I am for 30+ years. If you’re in a job you aren’t having fun at - get a new job!
5. Grow my friendships. I really neglected this one while at Sharonview. Now, I’ve made it a goal to continue spending time with my friends, neighbors and those I love, getting to know them better, and deepening our relationship.

These ideas can help anyone, working or retired, find their flow. This is not an all-inclusive list, but a few ideas to get you thinking about what drives you, what your purpose is, and what you are truly passionate about. Figuring out your WHY will drive your WHAT. Doing what you love because it brings you joy and fulfillment is a fantastic way to live life!