WORDS KATHRYN BLUNDELL
The psychological state of flow is a magical one. We’re completely immersed, all activity seems effortless, concentration is absolute, we get through so much and time just slips away. And it can be applied to anything from yoga and drawing to cleaning and work tasks. Also known as ‘getting in the zone’, researchers have identified the conditions that help flow happen: having distinct goals, receiving clear and immediate feedback – so sensing the impact of what we’re doing and directing our behaviour accordingly – and a balance between skill and challenge. This is the most fragile part of flow; if an activity becomes too easy, we get bored; too difficult and stress can creep in and ruin the moment. But its most marked characteristic is that the flow state is enjoyable and motivating: we feel in total control, eliminating any anxiety or stress.
This seductive mix enhances performance, too. Because being in flow feels so great, we’re motivated to repeat the task, push it further, and soon practice makes perfect. And because it’s all-consuming, we block out distractions and internal chatter that might make us hesitate or doubt ourselves. When we’re in flow, we forget failure.