Flow State by Design
When was the last time you were so fully immersed in something that you felt in full control of the situation, your inner critic was completely silent, and you were being intrinsically rewarded?
Take a moment to think about what that looked like for you. I’ll hold…😙
For me, this moment is often when I have uninterrupted time to dive into a topic of interest that I’m excited about with an intention to learn, discover what I can implement, and come up with ways I can make it resourceful. It’s these moments on top of a few others that I consider to be my "happy place" or what we can also refer to as our Flow State!
What is Flow State?
Flow state is a feeling of complete absorption in an activity that is enjoyable, challenging, and rewarding. When you are in a state of flow, you lose track of time, and your focus is entirely on the task at hand.
Why is Flow State Important?
According to Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a psychologist known as the "father of flow," flow is crucial for two reasons. First, it enhances the enjoyment of the present moment. Second, it improves self-confidence, which is necessary for developing skills and making significant contributions to humankind.
How to Get into Flow State?
1. Start with an Intention
Moving towards something helps you keep moving, so set an intention for your flow state activity. It can be whatever you want it to be, as long as it gives you a sense of control. Whether your intention is to complete a task or just to be present in the moment, having one will help you stay focused.
2. Find the Right Balance
The challenge is what keeps us engaged, so make sure your flow state activity provides just the right amount of ease and challenge. If it's too easy, you'll get bored, and if it's too challenging, you'll get stressed.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Your flow state should be a time of focus, not multitasking. Eliminate distractions and set yourself up for success.
4. Silence Your Inner Critic
While your flow state task will have its challenges, remember that it's the challenge that makes it enjoyable. Don't invite your inner critic in; instead, remind yourself how remarkable you are and use this moment to fuel your own remarkability.
5. Set the Stage for Success
Prepare your environment for your flow state activity. Have water nearby if you need it, and set a realistic minimum time for your activity. Use a timer separate from your phone to avoid distractions.
Here’s the tea…
Being in a flow state is good for your health and can be one of the most enjoyable human experiences.
By following these five steps, you can tap into your flow state and set your well-being up for success. So, start by setting an intention, finding the right balance, eliminating distractions, silencing your inner critic, and setting the stage for success.
As you think about your flow state activities, write them down and keep a running list as you discover more of them. This will be helpful for those moments when you want to be productive but don’t know what to do.
A ‘Lil Human Design Insight:
Your Human Design Type provides insight into the additional benefits of being in a state of flow, not that you’ll need it, but just in case it can increase motivation for you to be in this space more often. Your Profile offers a deeper understanding of what your flow state might be like.
To start learning and exploring with a lot more insight, download The Energy Guide today!
