{"id":38017,"date":"2021-06-10T16:04:28","date_gmt":"2021-06-10T20:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=38017"},"modified":"2021-06-14T10:20:58","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T14:20:58","slug":"how-to-achieve-flow-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-achieve-flow-state\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Achieve a Flow State of Optimal Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What does it mean to reach a “flow state”? What does flow feel like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his book Flow, <\/em>Csikszentmihalyi explains the flow state<\/a> as the state we’re in when nothing else seems to matter and we lose track of time. There are many different ways to achieve a flow state<\/a>, which we will discuss in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue below for more details on the flow state<\/a> and how to achieve<\/a> it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Is Flow State?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we can discuss how to achieve a flow state, we must first explain what “flow state” is. In his book Flow, <\/em>Csikszentmihalyi found that people are happy when they feel a sense of control<\/a> over their thoughts and feelings<\/a>. When this happens, we experience a flow state: We enjoy ourselves, feel a sense of purpose<\/a> and meaning, and other things don\u2019t seem to matter as much.<\/strong> Csikszentmihalyi also refers to these states as \u201coptimal life experiences,\u201d experiences that become a reference point for how life should be. For example, an artist who feels immersed in creating a beautiful painting is experiencing flow. It can also happen when you gain an important insight during tough times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Optimal experiences occur most frequently when you\u2019re voluntarily working hard to achieve something important. This requires being in control of your circumstances, which is often difficult work. For example, a swimmer who\u2019s swimming the most difficult race of her career may experience muscle cramps and fatigue, but she may look back on the experience as incredibly worthwhile because she directed her actions and accomplished something admirable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Achieve Flow<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may think your thoughts and feelings indicate what will bring you happiness, but this isn\u2019t always true. Your thoughts and feelings may be influenced by biological needs, genetics, or how society has taught you to react in certain situations. According to Freud, socialization persuades people to follow social norms<\/a> even if they don\u2019t want to\u2014it manipulates our biological needs to make us react predictably to punishments and rewards, thereby maintaining social order. For example, people will likely comply with a dictator\u2019s rule because they\u2019d prefer not to be killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though it\u2019s okay to seek what feels good and avoid what feels bad, it\u2019s best to think independently so you don\u2019t fall victim to manipulation. <\/strong>Plus, to consistently overcome life\u2019s challenges, you need to break away from needing external rewards or punishments to achieve success\u2014you have to provide rewards for yourself regardless of your circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different disciplines have used different approaches to address this\u2014for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n