[QT] Finding Your Creative Flow: How to Get in the Zone

In this quick tip episode, I thought I’d look at the science, go through some practical examples, and give you some ideas on how to bring more creative flow into your life. 

What is Creative Flow?

Psychologist and researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes the state of flow as a state of concentration or complete absorption in an activity. It’s when you’re so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. You’re in the zone.

And you could be doing any number of activities, running, cooking, painting, gardening. The idea is that it’s a positive mental state, where you’re completely absorbed and focused and feeling your best. 

Today I’ll focus on flow in the context of creativity but the idea is really widely applicable.  

When you’re in flow, you’re in a state of:

• Complete concentration - you become so focussed that everything else falls away.  You can lose track of time.  You become one with the actions that you’re doing. There is what they call a merger between your actions and your awareness. The actions start to feel automatic. And even effortless.
• You also sort of lose your sense of self-consciousness, so your inner critic is silenced. This one is really key for me, I think sometimes we get into an activity and we’re thinking about what we can do better or what isn’t right so of course that isn’t happening when you’re in flow.  And this part is important, you’re not judging. You’re just doing.

I talked a bit more about flow in a very early episode of the podcast on meditation. It’s different from meditation, they are not the same thing, but the way they are similar is that you’re really in the moment.  And a lot of people have trouble really getting into the moment, so if that’s you, you can listen to the episode on meditation for people who don’t meditate.

The Benefits of Being in a State of Flow

When you’re in a flow state, your brain releases all sorts of pleasure neurochemicals - dopamine, norepinephrine, endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin.

I’m not going to get into all the science and details around flow, but just the point to say that when you’re in a state of flow, your creativity is amplified. 

Now here’s the challenge, how do we get into this state more often and more predictably? 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why Slowing Down is Important for Improving Performance
• Being better at Life, not just at Work
• How to Get into a State of Creative Flow
• Protecting Your Creative Flow
• Creative Growth

If you’re enjoying the podcast, please consider writing a review on itunes. I love knowing your takeaways and aha moments from each episode. 

And let me know if there’s something you’re working on that’s your creative expression. 

Engage & Connect:

• Want more insights, tips, and personal stories? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive content and updates on upcoming episodes.

Gifts for Listeners:

1. Take your first step towards an extraordinary life with our FREE resources. Check out our free quiz at livingxo.com/quiz and plot your current decision-making process. Discover actionable steps to move closer to your goals.
2. Grab my FREE gratitude challenge: livingxo.com/gratitude
3. Download my FREE handout 5 Must-Ask Questions before making a decision livingxo.com/questions
4. FREE workbook to help you figure out what you really want (not what you think you should want): livingxo.com/mygoals

p.s. If you found value in this episode, please share and leave a 5 star rating and review on your preferred podcast platform!