Why Finding Your Flow State Leads To Success.

Have you experienced the most productive state of mind we can be in? When was the last time you engaged in an activity where time was seamless? When your work didn't feel forced and everything felt automatic?

This feeling is the flow state, a moment of deep focus. It is the zone of optimal cognitive performance which gave birth to the saying of "being in the zone". A flow state is where we conduct our peak performance. It is when we’re completely immersed in a task, lose track of time and a sense of the outside world. External distractions become less important.

You've seen this in various forms. The greatest athletes of our generation landing every shot and having effortless movement. An artist producing vivid, creative works of art. A corporate professional who motivated to problem-solve their company's dilemmas.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the author of "Flow State" describes the 7 characteristics of a flow state -

1. Complete involvement in the task, focus & concentration
2. A sense of ecstasy & being outside of everyday reality
3. Inner clarity and knowing what needs to be done and how to achieve it
4. Knowledge that the activity is actually doable and that you have the adequate skills
5. A sense of serenity, being without worry of yourself and growing beyond your ego
6. Timelessness, where hours pass as if they were minutes
7. Intrinsic motivation, where the activity becomes its own reward

Why does finding your flow state lead to your success?

I believe we secretly have a desire to be in a flow state and witnessing this flow state makes us want to be the same. When was the last time you were inspired by greatness? Think deeply on why that moment of inspiration resonated with you.

Here's a moment of greatness for me from basketball. It involves the greatest 3-point shooter ever, Steph Curry, check out this moment -

Despite the chaos, Steph beats three defenders while maintaining control of the ball, smoothly turns around to fire off and land a three pointer, definitely not an easy feat. Even his coach, Steve Kerr is in disbelief at the spectacle. This is flow at work - Intense focus, yet everything looking effortless and easy, clarity on what needs to be done, and becoming superhuman in the moment.

When someone stack moments like this, they become an expert.

Or in Steph Curry's scenario, the greatest to ever do it. Last season he became NBA's all time leader in career 3 pointers crossing 2,977 made shots.

How does a moment in basketball apply to you and I on the value of a flow state?

Here are three fundamental aspects of value that a flow state gives -

Progress is a natural high - Nothing feels more rewarding to our brains than making progress. It is the satisfaction of learning something new or witnessing change in the form of progress.

Life becomes fun - A person in a flow state is in a state of joy and experiences a moment of "deep play". The creativity is unmatchable, the confidence is at an all-time high, time doesn't matter and everything is in complete control. There is no room for other thoughts, except for your focus in this very moment of flow. Most importantly - A person has fun while in flow.

People pay to witness others in a flow state - Hear me out on this one - I believe people are paying to witness the output of a flow state. We pay to watch peak performance in athletes. We pay to watch performers bring us joy through entertainment and creative arts. We pay to read an academic's thoughts on their topic of expertise or a writer's creativity in weaving an intricate story. Inspiration strikes when we witness people in peak performance or seeing the output of such a performance.

What could this mean for you? If you are able to tap into your flow state to bring out the best that you can be in whatever trade or craft you are working on, then there are people out there who are bound to witness your output which could lead being monetised. Whether it is the form of a promotion, landing clients or finding opportunities that would never have presented themselves to you, your work in a flow state will lead you onto a path to success.

Or - If you find yourself in a state of deep learning, taking in the knowledge of an expert and implementing this for yourself, the outputs can be rewarding in itself. It may lead to new connections, opportunities you might not have experienced without your newfound experience, and eventually, paid opportunities for honing your craft.

The best work doesn’t come from what you know; it comes from your ability to master your flow state so you can push through barriers and make your work look effortless to anyone who observes it.

If finding your flow state leads to your success... How do you find your flow state? Stay tuned, I'll be writing on ways to tap into your flow state later this week! Subscribe to The Creative Catalyst Newsletter to avoid missing out.

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Stay creative, always.