How to achieve a FLOW state

FLOW model

The FLOW model has been around since the 1990’s, and is typically associated with Mihali Czikszentmihalyi. FLOW is defined as

“The mental state of operation in which a person feels fully immersed in what he or she is doing, characterised by a feeling of energised focus, full involvement, and success in the process of activity”.

In other words, becoming so engaged in an activity or your work that time stands still and you get lost in the flow of the activity.

We all know what it is like to be in FLOW (‘in the zone’). Things seem easier, effortless even; we feel like we are achieving things, doing our best and it feels good! How do we make this happen more often? For ourselves, but also for the people we lead?

Daniel Goleman recently shared a post on Linked In entitled ‘How to achieve a FLOW state’ :

‘Today we all realize that we do our best work in those special moments when we are in flow. And for leaders helping people get into FLOW and stay there means they will work at their peak abilities.’

He shared 3 ideas about how to help people find FLOW:

  1. Match a person’s task to their skill set – considering the delicate balance of tension between skill and the degree of challenge
  2. Find work people love – that they are passionate about, that engages us / them and gives a sense of purpose
  3. Facilitate focus – help yourself / help your people to concentrate intently (removing distractions etc)

For further information about these ideas, click on the Link to the blog.