Achieving a State of 'Flow' at Work
Achieving a State of 'Flow' at Work
Do you ever feel like your mind is a million miles away? You can
watch someone in a meeting who is "somewhere else," and they
have a far-away, glassy look to the eye. You know they are not
hearing a word of what is being said. They may be with you
physically, but their minds are somewhere else, thinking about
some meeting, worrying about that errand, or trying to figure
out what someone meant by a passing comment.
Contrast that with a time you were so immersed in an activity
that time just stood still? Your stomach suddenly growls, and
you look up at the clock to discover you worked right over your
lunch hour and didn't notice! You were totally immersed in what
you were experiencing or doing. What are the benefits of this
extreme focus?
* Output is increased. You simply get more done when you are
100% attuned to your task. You'll get more letters written and
more projects completed
* You perform optimally and do your best work. If you are giving
your total attention to something, the quality will be better.
Isaac Newton said, "If I have ever made any valuable
discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention than to
any other talent."
* The time invested in projects is decreased. If you don't feel
like doing something in the first place (like paying bills),
wouldn't you rather have it over in an hour instead of
stretching it out over three?
* Less rework. Your focus reduces the time it would have taken
you to correct the mistakes and omissions that are a byproduct
of inattention.
* Peace of mind is enhanced. There is an old legend about a man
who travels the world searching for the meaning of life. One day
he climbs a high mountain to a monastery to get the advice of a
monk who is reputed to be the wisest man on earth. When asked
for the secret to happiness, the monk replies simply, "DO
whatever you're doing."
What are some of the characteristics of the non-flow state?
Continually stopping one task and starting
another
Not establishing a goal or "end" state
Constant disruptions and interruptions, which
make it difficult to concentrate
Feeling overwhelmed
Low energy period
What are some characteristics of the flow state?
A vested interest in the outcome
A strong belief that you can and will
accomplish your goal
Total focus, with no interruptions
High energy period
Passion/fun/enjoyment
Proper environmental conditions (temperature,
smells, noise)
Minimal effort required (low learning curve)
How do you achieve this wonderful state of flow and become fully
present-focused?
* Master your job. Research shows that your ability to
experience flow is related to your mastery of the mechanics of
your job. The more unfamiliar you are with your work, the harder
it is to achieve. Just as learning to drive was at first a
conscious behavior, when mastered, it became subconscious. If
you're on a learning curve in a new activity, it will be harder
to achieve intense focus. The more you learn the job, the better
your ability to concentrate and "let go."
* Prepare for and expect to achieve focus. Set your mind
properly. Consciously, willfully decide that you are going to
concentrate. Have a positive attitude going into the task.
Prepare your materials in advance of getting started and have
what you need at your fingertips.
* Clear your desk. Do your piles talk to you? "Do me!" "Don't
forget me!" Clutter can be psychologically distracting. You will
focus better on what's in front of you if you don't have ten
other things surrounding you. Clear the piles, so everything is
out of your line of sight except the single thing you're working
on.
* Set aside some time. Estimate how long the task will take and
schedule an appointment with yourself on your calendar. Total
absorption is very relaxing. It's splitting your
attention--between what you're currently doing and what you have
to do next--that's exhausting. When you become focused on the
task of the moment, time seems to fly, and you get the job done
easier and faster.
* Ensure no interruptions. The ability to work uninterrupted is
very important to devote your complete attention to an activity.
Having privacy will help you achieve a state of flow. Tom
DeMarco and Timothy Lister, co-authors of Peopleware: Productive
Projects and Teams, claim reaching a state of flow requires at
least 15 minutes of ramp-up concentration. People are especially
sensitive to interruptions during this time. When people are
disrupted, they can't go right back in. They require an
additional 15 minutes of time to get started again. This leads
to increased frustration and reduced productivity. Close your
door if you have one, or leave your office and retreat to an
empty office where no one can find you.
Take each step deliberately and with full attention. Strive to
be "in the moment." When you read a book to your child, really
READ a book to your child. Don't be focused on all the to-dos
that you must do when you're finished. Be present and available
and in the now for those people and tasks you care about.
Make it a productive day!