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Flow is the secret to productivity, creativity, and happiness
Flow
In 1988, researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduced the world to the concept of a state of ultra-focus that he called Flow. Whereas focus makes you fully productive, a flow state adds a multiplier effect to productivity. Csikszentmihalyi's research found that "Psychological Flow captures the positive mental state of being completely absorbed, focused, and involved in your activities at a certain point in time, as well as deriving enjoyment from being engaged in that activity."
Perhaps the Flow state, colloquially termed being 'in the zone,' is best described by one of the participants interviewed in the earliest stages of 'Flow research' with the following statement:
"My mind isn't wandering. I am not thinking of anything else. I am totally involved in what I am doing. My body feels good. I don't seem to hear anything. The world seems to be cut off from me. I am less aware of myself and my problems." 35
Achieving focus and entering a flow state must involve eliminating anything that impedes us from dedicating 100% of our energy into a singular pursuit. Being productive isn't working fast. It's working on what matters and doing that well.
