June 19th, 2009 | 
Author: Achieving A State Of Flow At Work
Do you ever feel like your mind is a million miles away? You can watchsomeone in a meeting who is somewhere else and they have a farawayglassy look to the eye. You know they are not hearing a word of what isbeing said. They may be with you physically but their minds are somewhereelse thinking about some meeting worrying about that errand or trying tofigure out what someone meant by a passing comment.
Contrast that with a time you were so immersed in an activity that timejust stood still? Your stomach suddenly growls and you look up at the clockto discover you worked right over your lunch hour and didnt notice! Youwere totally immersed in what you were experiencing or doing. What are thebenefits of this extreme focus?
Output is increased. You simply get more done when you are 100 attunedto your task. Youll get more letters written and more projects completed
You perform optimally and do your best work. If you are giving yourtotal attention to something the quality will be better. Isaac Newton saidIf I have ever made any valuable discoveries it has been owing more topatient attention than to any other talent.
The time invested in projects is decreased. If you dont feel likedoing something in the first place (like paying bills) wouldnt you ratherhave it over in an hour instead of stretching it out over three?
Less rework. Your focus reduces the time it would have taken you tocorrect the mistakes and omissions that are a byproduct of inattention.
Peace of mind is enhanced. There is an old legend about a man whotravels the world searching for the meaning of life. One day he climbs ahigh mountain to a monastery to get the advice of a monk who is reputed tobe the wisest man on earth. When asked for the secret to happiness the monkreplies simply DO whatever youre doing.
What are some of the characteristics of the nonflow state?
?? Continually stopping one task and starting another
?? Not establishing a goal or end state
?? Constant disruptions and interruptions which make it difficult to concentrate
?? Feeling overwhelmed
?? Low energy period
What are some characteristics of the flow state?
?? A vested interest in the outcome
?? A strong belief that you can and will accomplish your goal
?? Total focus with no interruptions
?? High energy period
?? Passion/fun/enjoyment
?? Proper environmental conditions (temperature smells noise)
?? Minimal effort required (low learning curve)
How do you achieve this wonderful state of flow and become fullypresentfocused?
Master your job. Research shows that your ability to experience flow isrelated to your mastery of the mechanics of your job. The more unfamiliaryou are with your work the harder it is to achieve. Just as learning todrive was at first a conscious behavior when mastered it becamesubconscious. If youre on a learning curve in a new activity it will beharder to achieve intense focus. The more you learn the job the better yourability to concentrate and let go.
Prepare for and expect to achieve focus. Set your mind properly.Consciously willfully decide that you are going to concentrate. Have apositive attitude going into the task. Prepare your materials in advance ofgetting started and have what you need at your fingertips.
Clear your desk. Do your piles talk to you? Do me! Dont forget me!Clutter can be psychologically distracting. You will focus better on whatsin front of you if you dont have ten other things surrounding you. Clearthe piles so everything is out of your line of sight except the singlething youre working on.
Set aside some time. Estimate how long the task will take and schedulean appointment with yourself on your calendar. Total absorption is veryrelaxing. Its splitting your attentionbetween what youre currently doingand what you have to do nextthats exhausting. When you become focused onthe task of the moment time seems to fly and you get the job done easierand faster.
Ensure no interruptions. The ability to work uninterrupted is veryimportant to devote your complete attention to an activity. Having privacywill help you achieve a state of flow. Tom DeMarco and Timothy Listercoauthors of Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams claim reaching astate of flow requires at least 15 minutes of rampup concentration. Peopleare especially sensitive to interruptions during this time. When people aredisrupted they cant go right back in. They require an additional 15minutes of time to get started again. This leads to increased frustrationand reduced productivity. Close your door if you have one or leave youroffice and retreat to an empty office where no one can find you.
Take each step deliberately and with full attention. Strive to be in themoment. When you read a book to your child really READ a book to yourchild. Dont be focused on all the todos that you must do when yourefinished. Be present and available and in the now for those people and tasksyou care about.
Make it a productive day!
About the writer:
Laura M. Stack MBA CSP is “The Productivity Pro” andthe author of Leave the Office Earlier. She presents keynotes and seminarson time management information overload and personal productivity. Contacther at 3034717401 or LauraTheProductivityPro.com.
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