Deep Focus for Flow States (2/3)
Today, we’ll look at how you can build focus in order to more easily access flow states.
In this mini-series of three newsletters, we’re exploring the topics of focus, flow, and deep work.
Last week, we talked about some how you can enhance your ability to focus. This week I’ll share some practical tips for how you can use your new-found focus to more easily enter flow states.
To recap, you can enhance your baseline level of focus by:
Setting clear goals
Meditating
Using the Pomodoro technique
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First of all though, let’s answer an important question:
What is a flow state, and why is it important?
Though you might not have heard of the term ‘flow state’, you’ll almost certainly recognise the feeling. You might call it being ‘in the zone’, ‘in the moment’, ‘in the sweet spot’, or having ‘hyperfocus’.
Whatever you call it, the flow state is a powerful state of mind characterised by complete absorption and energised focus on a task.
If you think back to the last time you got so involved in an activity that you didn’t notice time passing, or you felt like whatever you were doing was effortless, then you may well have been in the flow state.
A flow state can happen almost any time - as long as certain conditions are met - you might find yourself in a flow state at work, playing sport, or even when having an engrossing conversation.
In terms of productivity and creativity, flow states can help us to attain higher levels of performance. The heightened concentration allows for a deeper level of engagement and minimises distractions, whilst also utilising all our skills.
Furthermore, flow states are fun. It’s a beautiful experience to be able to effortlessly express your skills and create something amazing, whether that’s a painting, a piece of writing or music, or even an experience with another person.
Finally, when you’re in a flow state, you’re optimally positioned to learn and acquire skills more easily. The confluence of challenge and mastery you find in a flow state help you utilise your cognitive abilities to their fullest potential. This means you're processing information, making connections, and applying knowledge more effectively.
So, without a doubt, flow states are incredibly powerful in helping you not only to get things done, but also to learn more effectively.
How to enter such a state, then?
Focus is the foundation of flow…
…but that’s not the whole story.
Focus is the starting point for entering a flow state. At minimum, you need to open the door for flow to find you, and you do this in the first instance by focusing on the task at hand.
Actually, focus and flow work in tandem to enhance performance. A high level of focus is necessary to initiate a flow state, however, when you’re in this state of flow, the focus becomes self-sustaining.
Importantly, you need to also think about how the task itself can help you to enter a flow state. There needs to be the right balance between the challenge of the activity, and your skill level.
If the activity is too difficult and exceeds your current abilities, you could become frustrated or find yourself having to context switch in order to find the solution to a problem. it can lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy, making it harder to enter a flow state.
To put this another way, you’ll find it difficult to flow with an activity that is far beyond your capabilities because you’ll be constantly having to lose focus in order to find the solution to a problem.
On the other hand, if an activity is too easy, then you’ll likely become disinterested and bored. Flow states are also characterised by feeling a sense of mastery and control. It’s hard to feel like a master if you’re doing something that is well below your skill level.
Not every activity is conducive to entering a flow state. However, when you know which activities are the most likely to enable a flow state, you can prepare yourself and your work environment to make the most of the opportunity.
Practical techniques for inducing flow states
These techniques are not one-size-fits-all, and what works best for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to reflect on your experience, and to experiment with different approaches to find the ones that resonate most with you and consistently help you achieve a state of flow.
You can consciously prepare yourself to more easily enter a flow state by:
Scheduling the activity for the time of day when your energy levels are highest - are you a morning lion or a night wolf?
Removing distractions ahead of time to allow yourself to build the required level of focus. Turn your phone off, get a nice drink and some snacks, and lock the doors!
Identify and account for any challenges or roadblocks ahead of time - is there a particular skill you could learn to more easily enter this state of mastery?
Curate a flow-inducing playlist of music that helps you to concentrate. Maybe only the heaviest of metal is enough to block out all other thoughts , or perhaps you like smooth jazz, or even brown noise. Whatever you like, listening to the same music will prompt your brain to enter this flow state. You could even try listening to binaural beats - a special type of music designed to induce certain states into the brain.
Hopefully you’ve found this useful. Tune in next week for some tips on how to make the most of your flow states and engage in doing quality deep work.
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