Flow state, popularized by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and Jeanne Nakamura, is the experience of being immersed in an activity that you are very passionate about and are solely focused on for the moment.
See Mihaly talk about flow state here:
The 10 characteristics of being in flow state are1:
- Attentional focus
- Challenge
- Goal-oriented
- Feedback
- Personal control
- Timelessness
- Peace
- Intrinsic motivation
- Disconnect from physical needs
- Single-mindedness
Why is flow state so important?
Mostly importantly, flow state is where you are at some of your happiest moments. Doing something you love and in the zone. You feel accomplished and wonder “where did the time go?” This is where you do your best work; tons of creativity and productivity.
How can you reach flow state?
Dopamine is a big part of how someone reaches flow state as well as stays in it; there is a symbotic relationship between Dopamine and flow state. Set yourself up to get into flow state:
- Have a clear goal that is challenging
- Learn the skills to complete the goal
- Set up your environment to remove distractions
How can groups reach flow state?
Getting into flow state as an individual is great, but typically when we work it is within a group in one form or another. Simply put, having flow state within a group is scaled from what the individual has to do. Starting with sharing a common goal, groups need2:
- Sponateous creativity without causing delibration
- Blending of egos
- Equal participation
- Communication
- Familiarity
- Relentless forward moment
Flow state means you are passionate and appreciate the cost of doing better. Starting with yourself and then working as part of a team this way can have dramatic impact on your productivity and happiness overall.