How to Enter the FLOW

If you’ve been around the self-help genre long enough, you should have come across the term “Flow”.

In 1975, this mysterious name was coined by Mihály Csíkszentmihályi.

In short it means one is fully immersed, involved and focused in the process of an activity. This ultra enjoyment often leads to unnoticing the passage of time.

This state of mind sounds like a kind of modern-day sorcery if not some BS.

In fact, this mental status of totally in the zone or hyper focus or laser focus or any other names happen in our daily life.

Think about when you’re playing video games, chatting with friends during happy hour, fully engaged in a ball game, listening to your favourite concert. When you look at the clock, it’s a lapse of hours.

In high school I could spend much quality time on guitar practice. As I turned adult, I found it painstaking in every practice session. My mind is always flustered with other thoughts.

As I learn the magic of Flow I wish to use it to help in my practice.

The Flow may be a natural process but we could develop the following prerequisites to increase the odds of trigger:

No Disturbance

First off, put away the phone as far as possible.

Then close the room door and feel the solitude.

This only-me-and-my-guitar situation helps me hear every note, communicate with the instrument, and dive into the world of music.

Same goes to my 6am writing routine. The headspace is always clear when the dawn keeps me out of distractions.

Skills Level

Make sure what you’re doing or what you want to do is within your skillset or only a bit challenging (achievable).

I’d be disappointed and soon give up if the practice session is to shred like Steve Vai while I’ve just learnt how to strum a Coldplay song (No complaints here. Coldplay has the greatest melody and harmony).

Seek the skill and challenge equilibrium to open up the Flow.

Same goes to public speaking. Consider the difference when you’re asked to talk about what you do everyday rather than those you’re not familiar with.

Quantify

Higher chance to enter the Flow when you clearly know the stuff and do it progressively.

For example, playing these 4 bars 10 times without failing will be better than aimless moves on the fretboard.

Small steps from the big trunk. Adding reward or rest in between. The path to Flow will be there.

That’s why the Pomodoro technique is often cited for better focus and productivity.

Forget the Self

The mental preparation is to stop judging. The Flow is like a river which never turns backward.

I used to play in some small gigs. I remember once I ignore the audience (I mean their thoughts on me) I feel like I’m blending into the crowd and the sound wall. That’s when I enter nothingness and enjoy the stage in full.

Hope You Enjoy the Read

Guitar playing is just an example. Whether it’s a hobby or work, you can try using the above tips to enter the Flow.

If you find it too far fetched, try reading. It’s a good starting point.

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