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Productivity tips are always a hot topic among professionals. How do you maximize your efficiency without burnout? Can you be a top performer and enjoy your job? There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. One recently-popular technique could help you get there, though. The idea of achieving flow state has been around for decades, but it's gained traction recently.
Flow state is intense — but enjoyable — focus on a task. While in flow state, distractions fade away and you lose track of time. Your entire concentration is on the work in front of you. It's a productive and satisfying way to complete work projects.
More people have started to explore flow state in recent years. Plenty of guides have sprung up explaining how to get there, but some professionals naturally slip into it while working. A few studies suggest your personality type might have something to do with this, but it's still being studied. You might've heard descriptions of flow state without realizing it — it's the same as being "in the zone."
Whether you've experienced it naturally or have never heard of it, you can use flow state to maximize your efficiency. Here we'll get into the concept, factors, and challenges behind achieving flow state. By the end, you'll be equipped to try it yourself.
The name "flow state" came from psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in the 1970s. He was intrigued by artists so involved in their work they forgot to eat and sleep. While interviewing people about their state of mind, many described it as riding a current or being carried by the flow.
Flow state is sometimes compared to hyperfixation. Some experts say they're the same thing. Others think hyperfixation is a negative thing; it's mostly a distraction, drawing you into random attention-grabbers whether or not they're productive. Flow state, on the other hand, is always a good thing.
Flow state isn't limited to specific professions but pops up in some more than others. Surveys show that creatives, athletes, people working with data, and professionals in high-concentration careers experience flow state the most. These are a few examples.
There are several factors involved in achieving flow state. Some might be out of your control, but others you can use to your benefit. Knowing these factors lets you watch for them and adjust as needed.
Csíkszentmihályi considered this one of the core principles of flow state. The task you're working on needs the right balance between your skill level and the challenge it presents. If it's too easy, you'll get bored. If it's too hard, the stress will keep you from concentrating. The right balance lets you focus and feel satisfied with the project.
If you don't feel motivated to work on something, it'll be hard to get into flow state. You have to be excited about the task itself; not just the rewards from completing it. The more passionate you are about a project, the more likely you'll experience flow state.
Obviously, we can't all be passionate about every work project. This might be the trickiest day-to-day factor. You can work to find some excitement, though. If you love your job overall, focus on how this project factors into the big picture. If you're still struggling, consider what you can learn from the task or how it can positively challenge you.
The right mindset is essential for achieving flow state. It's important to be open to the concept as a whole. You should also have an environment where you feel psychologically safe — you shouldn't have to worry about someone or something raising your stress levels.
Now that you know what flow state is, how can you use it at work? While you can't force yourself into the right state of mind, you can set up the conditions to help you get there.
Your surroundings have an impact on achieving flow state. Ideally, your work area is comfortable and free from distractions. If you don't have a space like that, see what other options you have. Can you schedule closed-door hours? Is there another space you can temporarily work from?
Figure out the time of day you're most productive. It's different for everyone. Build yourself a routine that schedules your projects during that time. You'll have an easier time getting into flow state.
Besides skill-challenge balance, distraction is another big piece in flow state. Once you're in the zone, you won't notice many distractions. They can make it hard to get there, though. Clear as many of them as you can before working.
It helps to create a schedule with set "do not disturb" hours. You'll train your brain to focus at the same time every day. It also gives your coworkers predictable times they won't be able to reach you. Don't forget to silence all of your electronics.
Everyone is distracted by different things. Learn your specific triggers and how to work around them. If your workplace doesn't give you much control, do your best with your current resources. Even small changes can help.
It can be surprisingly hard to be mentally present in the moment. Our minds like to wander. Your brain might need some training before it comes naturally. Practicing mindfulness can help.
Mindfulness is a mental state of focusing on the present. Meditation and yoga are popular techniques. It has some similarities to flow state, but it aims for full attention on your self-awareness, body, and mind. Practicing mindfulness can guide you towards the right headspace. It's easier to achieve flow state from there.
Setting up the right conditions is the biggest hurdle in achieving flow state. Maintaining it also comes with its challenges, though. Knowing and planning for these obstacles will keep you from losing your flow.
As you read earlier, distraction is one of the biggest enemies of flow state. Eliminate as many as you can. Plan a few ways to get around the ones you're stuck with.
Flow state loves structure. When you have a plan, your mind can flow through it instead of wondering what to do next. It's easy to get hung up on uncertainty and be pulled out of focus. Go into your project with goals and a detailed plan. Each time you meet a goal, you'll get a bonus boost of satisfaction.
Feedback is a component of this, too. If you can, have someone give you clear and detailed feedback as you work. Again, this keeps you from being stuck on finding the next steps. It's great for efficiency, too; mistakes are caught early when they're easiest to fix.
Easy tasks are boring, but hard ones are stressful. Your skill level determines where a task falls. Flow state comes when you have the perfect balance; easy enough to handle, but challenging enough that you can grow your skills. If you have a choice of projects, pick the ones that match this description.
Some jobs don't give you the freedom to choose your projects. If you're stuck with an imbalanced task, you might be able to find ways to improve it. If it's too easy, can you take on additional tasks? Are there creative ways to accomplish it? Can you find a more efficient way? For difficult projects, ask for help. Break it down into smaller pieces to tackle individually. See if you can delegate some pieces to people with different skill sets.
The point of flow state is to focus on a single task until it's done. That won't work for every job, though. If your profession requires multitasking, flow start will be hard to reach and probably won't be very helpful. You might be able to use it for special projects, or if you have certain times you know you'll be free from multitasking.
Csíkszentmihályi's studies of flow state started with artists forgetting their basic needs in favor of working. Not noticing your body's complaints can definitely help you get work done, but it's not always healthy. At best, your body might interrupt your flow once something is too uncomfortable to ignore, At worst, you might harm your health.
Take care of your needs before you start working. Try to keep an eye on them as you go. Have some easy solutions nearby — for example, keeping some snacks and drinks in your office. If you're really struggling with this, build a self-care break into your schedule that you're not allowed to skip.
Almost everyone feels burnout at some point in their career. It's exhaustion, frustration, and feeling disconnected from your work. Overworking is the quickest way to get there. That could mean too many hours, but it could also come from high-stress jobs that don't give you enough downtime.
Studies show that achieving flow state can help. It reduces stress and increases job satisfaction. Higher productivity means getting more done in less time. It could turn your stressful, tedious projects into easy and enjoyable ones. Csíkszentmihályi warned that flow state could eventually make you feel like you can't complete projects without it. Just make sure you balance flow state with standard work methods.
This guide has hopefully given you a good starting point to explore flow state at work. Are you looking for more ways to boost your productivity? Visit us here to learn more about maximizing your efficiency at work.
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