"Flow State": the state of mind of maximum motivation

The Flow status (or State of Fluency) occurs when we are so immersed in an activity that it seems that time flies and we enjoy the pleasure of every second that passes. If you have ever experienced the State of Flow, you will have noticed that you are so focused or focused on what you are doing, that you forget what is happening around you and you do not want that moment finish.

The term Flow (flow in English) is introduced by Mihály Csikszentmiháyi and is related to creativity, talent and happiness, and it is one of the basic pillars of positive psychology. For Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (2009),

“The flow or State of Flow is a subjective state that people experience when they are completely involved in something to the point of forgetting about time, fatigue, and everything else except activity in herself".

How do we experience the State of Flow?

The State of Flow it feels pleasant and liberating, since we are immersed in an activity that stimulates our passions, curiosities, interests and our senses. We lose track of time and a very high state of creativity and productivity occurs. If you have ever experienced the State of Flow, you will have noticed that:

• Attention is focused on the task and you experience a high degree of concentration
• The activity is inherently rewarding
• There is a pleasant feeling related to what you are doing
• You get lost in time
• The task is perceived as achievable and you think you are competent to carry it out
• You notice that you have control over the effort you put in.
• The feeling of fatigue disappears
• The state of consciousness is almost automatic, it does not require effort

Tips to get you to the State of Flow

The State of Flow is related to well-being and happiness, since it is the pleasant activities that make us feel special and happy with our life.

Following the contributions of Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiHere are some tips to be able to flow and reach the optimal state in which your task will become very rewarding.

1. Do something that is interesting to you

Flow Status appears naturally when it exists intrinsic motivation or you are curious about the activity you do. To increase productivity and creativity in what you are doing, you must enjoy what you do.

2. Set clear and achievable goals

The objectives that you set for yourself in the activity must be specific and achievable. If you get the objectives in that activity to be in tune with your skill level, you may be able to flow during the performance. On the contrary, if the objectives you set are a degree of difficulty that requires you to overexert yourself, then it can be stressful.

You have to understand that if the task you are going to do does not represent any degree of difficulty, it is very possible that you will get bored. The key is that there is an appropriate level between the motivation for the task and the ability to do it.

3. Find a quiet time and avoid distractions

For many people, a quiet place is better to induce a State of Flow. In this way, it is easier that there are no distractions and you can enjoy the moment in its entirety. Continuous interruptions are not conducive to the state of fluency being present. If you want to be more productive, you can identify the time of day when you perform the most. Some people work best in the morning, some in the afternoon, and some in the evening.

4. Hold attention for as long as you can

Once you've found that quiet moment without distractions, try to stay focused on homework. Sometimes, especially if you are practicing an activity for the first time, it is normal that you do not spend a lot of time focused. As you master the activity, you will have more time to enjoy it. On the other hand, you must pay attention to physiological needs (such as eating, going to the bathroom, drinking, etc.) because they interfere with your level of attention. Therefore, it is important to cover these needs to favor the State of Flow.

5. Your skill level should match the difficulty of the task

If our skill level is in tune with the activity we do, the more pleasant it will be for us. In other words, if we are well prepared to do something, there are more possibilities to experience the State of Flow. But adding a little bit of difficulty to the task can keep our motivation high. The problem arises when the task becomes big, then it stops being pleasant.

6. Focus on the process, not the result

The State of Flow or Fluidity is related to the completion of the task, not the result. An attractive result can be motivating too, but what is really important is to enjoy what you do. The State of Flow refers to having fun in the present, that is, to getting lost in that moment of happiness.

Bibliographic references:

• Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2009). The flow. Positive emotions (181-193). Madrid: Pyramid Editions.