Every person experiences huge hurdles in their lives in order to be one step closer to their goal. Initially, the individual perceives the obstacle as unrealistic to overcome but then something clicks into their consciousness that allows them to conquer the “unrealistic” obstacle with ease.
So how is this possible?
By achieving the “Flow” state.
What is Flow?
Flow is a psychological term in which a person undergoes a state where they are completely immersed in a single task or activity. They suddenly ignore the world around them as their self-consciousness fades. There is that indescribable feeling of joy and purpose for doing that specific task.
The term “flow” was coined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a distinguished figure in the field of positive psychology (the study of factors and/or conditions that focus on improving human well-being). Nowadays, the phrase used for achieving flow is being “locked in.”
The “Flow” Chart and the Science Behind It
(Credit: Tolstoy Therapy & Csikszentmihalyi)
The “Flow” Chart expounds that both an “optimal” degree of challenge along with skill and confidence level is needed to activate the flow state. Otherwise, too much challenge can lead to “anxiety” whilst too much skill and confidence on a simple challenge can make a person feel “bored.”
Social psychologist Van der Linden explains that when flow is achieved, a beneficial number of “positive” neurochemicals help prolong the mental state. These are
1. Dopamine- Associated with pleasure
2. Endorphins- Assuages anything that brings discomfort to the mind and body.
3. Anandamide- Connected with increased creativity and lateral thinking. Allows the person to think outside the box better.
4. Norepinephrine- Better known as adrenaline, it brings alertness and concentration.
Characteristics of the Flow State
Of course, there are a numerous amount of features of flow that are not all included in this article.
Nevertheless, here are some important characteristics when a person is in “flow”:
1. Unforgettable Experience: Regardless of whether people view a specific task as “too easy” or “too daunting”, others attempting to complete it can find it “rewarding.”
2. No More “Inner Voice”: Notice how even when you are doing the activities you love, is there judgement coming from your self-consciousness? Through “flow”, that harsh critic from your mind begins to disappear and next thing you know, the activity that you have always loved becomes truly enjoyable.
3. Intense Concentration: The world around you becomes background noise as you are fully focused on the task at hand.
4. Time Becomes Non-existent: Based on how strong a person’s “flow” is, time no longer exists in their reality. For example, a person that has been heavily concentrating on a task since morning can make them forget that evening has already appeared.
5. The Impossible Becomes Possible: Flow helps the person forget the internal boundaries that exist within their mind. What they have considered a hindrance or block that “cannot be beaten,” flow causes one’s actions to become natural, ensuring them to solve it with effortlessness and efficiency.
Prerequisites for Activating Flow
Understandably, the mind is not always in the state of “flow” and to become fully immersed in a task is not easy at all. However, activating flow is not like catching lightning in a bottle: it doesn’t occur through luck and in fact, can happen on purpose. With that, here are some ways that could foster the optimal experience.
1. Activity must have the right amount of challenge and skill- As seen in the flow chart, too much of either challenge or skill does not cause flow to occur.
2. Conducive Setting- An environment that is free of distractions and that benefits your aptitude makes it easier to be fully immersed in the activity you are doing.
3. Sense of Autonomy- Feeling in control allows you to shape your actions with no difficulty, sustaining the flow state.
A Deeper Message
So why emphasize the importance of flow? Because understanding the benefits and conditions of flow causes one’s life to become more fulfilling. Learning a language, solving complex problems, playing a sport, or even mastering a hobby are all challenges that can bring out the best of an individual.
By always getting out of the comfort zone, life becomes more meaningful and immersive.