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There are those times when everything starts to flow. You’re living in the moment. Complete concentration. Effortless – moving forward with grace, ease, and fluidity. Your mind is clear and focused – supremely confident. You are in flow. Nothing can stop you.
Getting into a state of flow is like unlocking a hidden dimension of productivity and creativity. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow refers to the immersive and optimal experience of being fully absorbed in an activity, to the point where time seems to stand still. To achieve flow, one must find a delicate balance between challenge and skill, entering a state where the task at hand is neither too difficult nor too easy. It is a state of heightened focus, where distractions fade away, and the individual becomes one with the task.
Take the example of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Jobs was known for his intense focus and ability to immerse himself completely in his work. During the development of groundbreaking products, like the iPhone, Jobs would reportedly enter a state of deep concentration, blocking out all external stimuli. Similarly, athletes often experience flow during peak performance moments. Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, was known for entering a state of flow during crucial moments in games. His seemingly effortless and flawless execution on the court exemplified being in a state of flow.
Or, consider the experience of surgeon Atul Gawande, who wrote about the concept of flow in his book "Being Mortal." Gawande described how, during intricate surgical procedures, he would become so absorbed in the task that the outside world faded away. The surgical field became his entire universe, and his movements flowed seamlessly, driven by a combination of skill, focus, and passion.
In essence, the state of flow is a testament to the human capacity for focus, skill development, and the joy of being fully engaged in a meaningful activity. It is a state that many aspire to achieve, as it holds the promise of unlocking untapped potential and delivering a sense of fulfillment that transcends the ordinary. I urge you to take some time this week – let yourself relax, and see if you can ease yourself into ‘flow.’ It’s a magical and wonderful place to be!
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