Mastering Productivity and Creativity: How to Achieve Flow

Flow states are an interesting scientific phenomenon that has been linked to powerful productivity surges, creative breakthroughs, and improved overall well-being - mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

But if you’re a human living in today’s modern world, your ordinary state is one of wandering and distraction. A place where you drift from briefly touching the present moment to stretching your mind into the future and sending it back into the past.

Que scrolling on Instagram, while half having a conversation on the phone with a friend, while thinking about what you’re going to have for dinner, while reminding yourself that you need to switch the laundry when you get off the phone, while looking down at your fingers to realize you need to cut your nails.

Sound familiar?

This is where we spend most of our days - whether we’re “working” or not. This is also the neural circuitry we create for our brains - always jumping from task to task, idea to idea, thought to thought, it’s like sticking a pin into a map over and over in different places, instead of picking a route and smoothly moving on it until you reach your destination. 

All of that being said, it’s time to learn how to access your flow.

Learning to tap into a flow state is the key to breaking out of this mentality, freeing your mind and body to move in harmony instead of discord.

Flow looks different for all of us, it’s part of what makes us unique and how we bring our unique gifts into the world.

For me, flow state looks like writing (video scripts, course content, emails, social media posts, and eventually my book), designing (I used to be a freelance graphic and UX designer and love designing just about anything from my home to digital art), and coaching (when I’m with my clients I go with them to the mental states and places of resourcefulness we visit in our sessions). All three of these things bring me into complete flow. Full presence with the moment while the rest of the world (and my worries, pains, and responsibilities) fades away. Yet, these states don’t always come naturally, different circumstances create these flow states for me; like early mornings, warm lighting, quiet spaces, and vibey universal type music.

Let’s Dive into an Exercise for Finding Your Own Flow:

Step 1: Identify The Circumstances That Bring You into Your Flow State

Each person has unique flow triggers that help them access this state of mind. These might include a specific environment, type of task, or time of day. Reflect on past experiences when you've entered a flow state and identify the conditions that facilitated it.

Let’s start with Your Environment and some examples:

• A writer might find that their flow state is triggered in a cozy, dimly lit room with a warm cup of tea by their side.

• A painter might discover their creative flow in a bright, spacious studio with natural light and inspirational artwork surrounding them.

• An athlete might enter a flow state when practicing in a familiar setting, like their home gym or a favorite outdoor trail.

Now Let’s Explore the Type of Task:

Flow states are deeply connected to our interests and gifts. Here are a few examples of how different people might identify and utilize their unique gifts to access this powerful state of mind:

• A software developer might find their flow state when solving complex coding challenges or designing innovative user interfaces.

• A musician might access their flow state while composing a new piece or improvising with their instrument.

• An entrepreneur might find their flow state when brainstorming ideas for new business ventures or creating marketing strategies.

And Lastly, The Time of Day:

• Some people might be more prone to enter a flow state in the early morning, when their minds are fresh and distractions are minimal.

• Others might find their flow state in the late afternoon or evening when they've warmed up to their tasks and can focus better.

• For some, the quiet stillness of the night might provide the perfect backdrop for accessing a flow state, as the world around them goes to sleep.

Step 2: Eliminate Distractions

Flow states require uninterrupted focus. Create a workspace free from distractions, such as noise, clutter, or digital interruptions. Set aside dedicated time to fully engage in your chosen activity.

Noise Management:

If your environment is noisy, consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing soft, instrumental music or white noise to block out distractions.

Alternatively, if you work better in a quiet setting, find a space where noise levels are minimal, or communicate with those around you about your need for quiet time.

Organize Your Workspace:

A cluttered workspace can be distracting and hinder your ability to focus. Dedicate some time to organizing your workspace, ensuring that you have all the necessary tools and materials within easy reach.

Remove any items that are not directly related to your task, and keep your workspace clean and visually appealing to create a positive atmosphere.

Manage Digital Distractions:

Turn off notifications on your computer and mobile devices, or use apps and tools that block distracting websites and apps during your dedicated work time. Set specific times for checking email and social media, rather than constantly refreshing or scrolling throughout the day.

Set Boundaries:

Communicate with family members, roommates, or colleagues about your need for focused, uninterrupted work time. Establish boundaries, such as closed doors or headphones to signal that you are in a flow state and should not be interrupted.

If you work from home, designate a specific area for work, separate from your relaxation or leisure spaces, to create a clear distinction between work and personal time.

Time Management:

Allocate dedicated time slots for your chosen activity, and be consistent with your schedule. This will help train your mind to enter a flow state more easily during these designated times.

Consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking to create focused work periods, followed by short breaks to recharge.

By eliminating distractions and creating a focused, conducive environment, you'll increase your chances of entering and maintaining a flow state. This will ultimately lead to enhanced productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.

Step 3: Balance Challenge and Skill

Achieving a flow state requires striking the perfect balance between the difficulty of a task and your abilities. When a task is too easy, you may become bored and lose focus; conversely, if a task is too difficult, you might feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Here are some strategies to find the sweet spot and ensure that you're choosing activities that push your boundaries while remaining within your skillset:

Assess Your Abilities:

• Begin by honestly evaluating your current skill level in a particular area. Understanding your strengths and areas for improvement will help you identify tasks that provide the right level of challenge.

• Avoid underestimating or overestimating your abilities, as this can lead to choosing tasks that are either too easy or too difficult, making it harder to enter a flow state.

Set Achievable Goals:

• Break down larger tasks or projects into smaller, manageable goals. This allows you to focus on one step at a time, ensuring that each sub-task aligns with your skill level.

• Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). This will help you monitor your progress and adjust the challenge level as needed.

Embrace Continuous Learning:

• Continuously work on developing your skills through practice, education, and self-reflection. As your skills improve, you'll be able to tackle more challenging tasks, allowing you to experience flow states more frequently.

• Be open to feedback and learn from your experiences, both positive and negative. This will help you refine your skills and better understand the level of challenge that works best for you.

Experiment and Iterate:

• Be willing to experiment with different tasks and activities to find the optimal challenge level for you. It might take some trial and error, but discovering the types of challenges that best align with your skillset will help you enter and maintain flow states more consistently.

Step 4: Creating Your Flow Recipe

Combine your flow circumstances, distraction-free environment, and a well-matched task to create your personalized flow recipe. Practice entering a flow state by engaging in your chosen activity and implementing your flow recipe.

Finding your flow is about tapping into a state of peak performance, creativity, and complete presence. By identifying and employing your flow recipe you can unlock the full potential of flow states in your life.

Thank you for investing in yourself today. Your dedication to mental fitness not only benefits you but also positively impacts those around you. Continue your journey of growth and join us in the Self by Design Community for support, connection, and inspiration.

P.S Are you looking for personalized 1:1 support? Whether it's around mindful parenting, conscious relationships, business, or simply, life in general, an expertly trained Self by Design Coach is ready to support you. Book your private coaching call here. 

To flowing into excellence.

Much love,

Nicole