LifeDesign | Flow
Flow is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz.
— Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Class Resources
Flow was coined by the psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi in 1975. Sometimes referred to as “being in the zone,” flow is the state when a person is completely immersed or absorbed in an activity. This often leads to great productivity, enjoyment and focus as well as clarity, serenity and often a sense of timelessness. Flow often occurs when fully immersed in an activity, art, sport, project or task that requires concentration and a skill level is demanding, but not so high that it causes anxiety.
How to Live Life in Flow
Video/animated book summary on the work on flow by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. (5 minutes)
Flow to Your Goals
Short article on describing flow, its applications and benefits by Kendra Cherry from the Verywell Mind (an online resource in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic that provides the guidance to improve mental health and find balance in one’s life.)
The Science of Flow
Flow: The Secret to Happiness
Ted Talk by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi exploring “The Psychology of Optimal Experience.” (18 minutes)
What is Flow: Psychology
“Scientifically, it’s termed transient hypofrontality and refers to a less engaged pre-frontal cortex. Because our pre-frontal cortices take care of higher cognitive processes—including self- reflection, analytical thinking, and other meta-conscious capacities, our implicit system can play a bigger role. Effortless information processing ensues, and we enter the highly desirable Flow state.”
Make it happen
10 Activities to Induce Flow
More about flow and how to achieve a state of flow by Catherine Moore from Psychology Today.
Feel the Flow
Watch John Bellion, who is deep in the state of flow, go through his creative progress. Get inspired by how others master their craft.