Flow 

‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit’ 

Aristotle

 

No doubt we can all think of a time where we were so immersed and engaged in an activity, whether that be a hobby or a work project that time flew by, and we have ‘lost ourselves’ in the task. According to the research of Csikszentmihalyi flow feels the same way to a mathematician working on a complex formula as it does to a surgeon, chess player or athlete and is the same regardless of age or culture. Flow is optimal experience, where we are engaged in the present moment and highly focused. There are techniques that can help us increase the chance of entering this flow state with some laid out below: 

1. Set Clear Goals: Define specific, achievable goals for the task at hand. Clear objectives help direct your focus and provide a sense of purpose. Even if this is part of a hobbie, it’s important to have a goal in mind. Focusing more on the process or the doing of the task rather than the outcome can help you enter flow.  
2. Match Challenge with Skill: Choose tasks that are appropriately challenging for your skill level. Activities that are too easy can cause boredom or too difficult can cause anxiety and prevent you from entering flow 
3. Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Divide larger tasks into smaller, manageable parts. This can help maintain focus and provide a sense of progress. 
4. Eliminate Distractions: Create a focused work environment by minimising interruptions and distractions. Turn off notifications and designate a quiet space to work on a project or hobby. Do not try to work on several things at once, but instead bring your attention to this one task at hand. 
5. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises to enhance your ability to stay present and focused. Bring your attention back to your task as often as possible. 
6. Develop Your Skills: Regularly practice and refine your skills in the areas you want to excel in. Mastery in a particular area increases the likelihood of experiencing flow. 
7. Engage in Activities You Enjoy: Choose activities that you find intrinsically rewarding and enjoyable. Passion and interest are key to achieving flow. 
8. Create a Routine: Establish a consistent routine for engaging in tasks that promote flow. Consistency can help build a habit and make it easier to enter flow states.