Boldness and Attention.

THE FLOW STATE - MIHALY CSIKSZENTMIHALYI

WHAT IS IT?

“The state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.”

SECTION FROM THE BOOK ‘STOLEN FOCUS: WHY YOU CAN’T PAY ATTENTION’ BY JOHANN HARI

“He (Mihaly) discovered that he felt most alive when he was doing something difficult.

He studied art. He watched painters paint over many months. He learnt:

When they were in the process of creating, time seemed to fall away. A deep form of attention. When they finished they simply moved on to the next painting, there was no triumphant moment.

What was driving them during the process? He discovered the Flow State.”

Mihaly shows that we all have the force and ability to focus for long periods, and we feel happier and healthier because of this. If we create the right environment for this, we have less time to focus on distractions and unhelpful thoughts.

HOW IS THIS STATE ACHIEVED?

1. Chose a clearly defined goal

2. It has to be something that is meaningful to you

3. And at the edge of your abilities, but not beyond them

7 CONDITIONS FOR ACHIEVING FLOW:

1. Knowing what to do
2. Knowing how to do it
3. Knowing how well you are doing
4. Knowing where to go
5. Perceiving significant challenges
6. Perceiving significant skills
7. Being free from distractions