How to access the productive flow state
Have you ever been in the zone at work? You are consistently checking things off your to-do list. You are being productive. In essence you’re just killing it that day, and then the next few days are not so great?
How is it that you were able to crush it on one day and then slump it the next? The answer is that you entered the flow state. You were able to tap into a rhythm that allowed your brain to function in its most productive state. You may be asking, how can I consistently get into that state? Is it difficult? I have good news; it is not difficult to access. You just have to know how to tap into it.
Designate Time
Workdays would not be what they are without disruptions and distractions. All working professionals have a story of working on something only to be interrupted by a meeting or an email or a phone call.
The first step to accessing a flow state of productivity is to designate the time. This means setting time aside to be productive. Block off a time slot on your calendar like it’s a meeting, and prepare for it.
The second step to designating time is allowing yourself 5-10 minutes to warm up to the state of flow. You know you want to be productive in your mind, but sometimes it may take a few moments for your brain and desires to catch up to execute the plan.
Designating time can be difficult if you haven’t done it before. This skill will take time and practice to achieve, but once you can set that time apart, you’ll be one step closer to being more productive.
Pleasant Activity
Do you find yourself staring at your to-do list? Now I have your attention. To avoid dreading your to-do list, follow the second step to accessing a flow state of productivity by doing a pleasant activity first. Desmond Tutu once said, the easiest way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time, and I would like to add you may as well make the first bite a good one.
Moving an easier, more pleasant task to the top will help you accomplish one thing on your list. This sense of accomplishment will release a bit of dopamine to your brain. Because our brain craves dopamine, we will be just a little less reluctant to tackle the next thing on the list even if it’s not our favorite.
This simple brain hack can help to turn your to-do list into a done list.
Lower Distractions
The phone rings. Someone sent an instant message. Your email is dinging. Someone walks into your area. Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? These distractions and many others can take or keep you out of the flow state.
Eliminating distractions altogether can be quite difficult, but if you can decrease the number of distractions, you will have a better chance of reaching your productivity goals.
Set your phone on do not disturb. Set your instant message status to busy. Turn off email sounds (if you can) or set aside a time to check email. Close your door, put up a sign, or wear noise cancelling headphone to signal to others that you are not available at the moment.
Our brains are wired to interact with others and these distractions turn to interactions that can take us out of the flow state.
Find a Rhythm
The benefits of entering the flow state are wonderful. You have a feeling of being productive and proud of all that you are able to accomplish.
Keep in mind that every day cannot be an immensely productive day because things come up and life happens. Whenever your to-do list starts to pile up, revisit the tools listed above to help you enter the flow state, and be the most productive you can for that day.
