The Infinity Flow State

Have you ever thought about your flow state? How you get into it? And even more importantly — why you get thrown out of it?

These kind of questions are the ones I pondered over when exploring how and why I was in a consistent flow state for over 2 weeks in the beginning of 2021. Everything seemingly fell into place. I was inspired, motivated and progressing at a speed I never had before. Why was this the case? I struggled to find out why. And of course the internet was not of much help either. I couldn’t find a map. No instructions to guide me…

This is about to change.

Before we go any deeper, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Julian Paul. I build useful things for those who want more from life. I do this through problem-centric thinking, branding & product.

My background and skills give me a unique perspective on creative thinking and structured workflows — culminating in mental models and visual communication. The Infinity Flow State is the way I live my personal & professional life on a daily basis.

Making sense of flow states

There are plenty of resources that try to quantify getting into the flow state that I have had the pleasure to consume. One example is Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, a fascinating book that entirely changed the way I manage my time. But it fell short on three key principles:

1. Getting into a flow state is not the problem for most. It’s usually the easiest part that comes as a result of surpassing any initial mental resistance.
2. Getting knocked out of the flow state is never addressed.
3. Maintaining a consistent flow state is the pain point.

In light of these three insights from my own flow state and countless conversations with people in my closest vicinity, I took it upon myself to quantify my experience. So you can also feel The Infinity Flow State.

But what even is the flow state? And why should you care?

Here’s a great definition:

“The flow state is a feeling where, under the right conditions, you become fully immersed in whatever you are doing.” — Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi