Did you know that in the United States, 1 million employees call in sick to work each day because of stress?
Many people have an unbalanced family, work, and personal life that affects more than just their attitude. Being stressed or overwhelmed at work can put you at the risk for lower performance and productivity but there are ways to overcome this.
Continue reading to discover what the flow concept is and how you can achieve it to reach your full potential and be even more productive!
What Is a Flow State of Mind?
Have you ever heard of students or athletes saying that they are “in the zone” and have full focus and concentration on a certain task?
Being in a flow state of mind is essentially the same thing. In psychology, the flow state occurs only during specific activities that challenge us, yet are still achievable with our own skillset.
The goal of getting into a flow state is to push yourself to your limit, but avoid becoming stressed or overwhelmed. It is important, however, that you don’t go too easy on yourself, or you may become bored.
Many people often lose their sense of time when they are in this mental state because they are so focused on the task at hand, that they forget to observe everything else going on around them.
Below are a few of the best tips to follow if you want to see an increase in productivity and reach the flow state of mind.
1. Create Clear Goals
The first step in trying to reach a flow mentality is by evaluating your intentions and setting clearly defined and achievable goals.
It is important that you make sure that your skills match up with the goals you have in mind, or you will be setting yourself up for failure. This is the most time-consuming part because you need to make sure they are challenging but not too easy at the same time.
2. Get Away from the Noise and Distractions
One of the best ways to achieve a flow state of mind is by eliminating all sounds and distractions when working on a challenge.
Purchasing noise-canceling headphones can be a great way to reduce the sound around you. You can find out more ways to reduce noise, but this is a convenient and easy method.
Turning off your phone and sound on your computer is also recommended for reaching a state of flow because of how distracting they can be.
3. Find Your Peak Time
Everyone has a time of the day where they are best able to concentrate. Focusing on your tasks during this period will produce the most productivity.
Life is hectic and often filled with family, personal, and work activities, but understanding what times you are most alert and keeping them open for other activities can help you. It is best to save difficult tasks for your peak time.
Some people prefer in the mornings after they’ve had a chance to wake up, while others may work best in the middle of the night. Each person has their own time.
4. Have Fun and Enjoy Yourself
If you are not engaged in the activity you are trying to focus on, you will have a very difficult time giving it your full attention.
Those who experience flow only do so when they are working on something that they are passionate or curious about. Important tasks don’t need to be a buzz kill in the middle of the day, instead, make sure that you are doing something you truly enjoy.
It also helps if what you are working on is a rewarding activity. Not only will you be more productive, but you will also be able to enjoy yourself more.
5. Take Control
Taking control and feeling like you are in charge of the entire process and outcome of your activity can help you become even more productive and reach a flow state of mind.
The entire purpose of flow is to improve productivity and happiness, and knowing that you are in control can help excel you to these goals. You should not have to feel held back from others or a lack of control. The only one in your way is yourself and taking charge is the best way to advance.
6. Evaluate Yourself and Personal Goals
Doing a self-evaluation is necessary if you want to reach your full potential for productivity.
You don’t have to be your own critic, but paying attention to your weaknesses and strengths can help you continue challenging yourself and growing. Doing an evaluation can also give you the opportunity to see if your progress and goals are matching up or if they need to be revised.
Get in the Flow of Things
One of the most satisfying things a person can experience is being in the zone, or flow, of something important to them. By utilizing this guide, you can become a more productive version of yourself that you will appreciate.
Setting clear and achievable, yet challenging goals and being able to track your progress with them are the most important steps in becoming a more productive person. A flow state of mind can also help you become more creative and organized.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when trying to achieve flow.
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