Flow, a concept that was coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi to describe a "a highly focused mental state conducive to productivity".

For elite performers, this is the holy grail, where work seems effortless and time passes by slowly. It's hyperfocus.

Ever seen Steph Curry get hot during a game? That's flow.

The best part is, flow isn't restricted to the elite. It can be accessed by everyone- and there is a formula.

In his book "The Art of The Impossible" Steven Kotler outlines several triggers that can put you in a state of "flow," characterized by complete absorption, optimal performance, and enjoyment.

He categorizes these triggers into three main domains:

1. Individual Triggers:

• Curiosity

  A burning desire to explore and learn ignites our attention and drives us to delve deeper into the task.

  Kotler highlights Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's research on flow, where chess players reported losing track of time while completely engrossed in solving complex tactics.

• Complete Concentration:

  Focusing entirely on the present moment allows us to tune out distractions and fully engage with the activity. Kotler gives the example of dancers experiencing flow when every movement becomes an extension of their being.

  

• Autonomy

  Having control over our actions and decisions fosters ownership and engagement.

  Flow Research Collective's experiment with surgeons found that increased autonomy boosted flow and performance during minimally invasive procedures.

• Challenge-Skill Gap

  When the task is just slightly beyond our current abilities, it creates a sweet spot for flow.

  Rock climbers enter flow routinely while pushing their limits on challenging routes, constantly calibrating their skills with the demands of the climb.

• Clear Goals

  Knowing what we're aiming for provides direction and focus.

  Olympic athletes who enter flow when their training seamlessly translates into focused execution during competition.

• Creativity and Novelty

  Engaging in new and stimulating activities keeps our minds engaged and prevents boredom.

  Kotler describes musicians discovering flow while improvising and exploring uncharted sonic landscapes.

Evolutionary Reason behind Individual Flow Triggers

These individual triggers tap into primal motivators that helped our ancestors survive and thrive.

• Curiosity fueled exploration and knowledge acquisition, essential for foraging and resource discovery.

• Concentration allowed for focused hunting and tool creation, critical for survival.

• Autonomy empowered individuals to make independent decisions and adapt to diverse environments.

• Challenge-skill balance tested and honed physical and mental capabilities for better survival.

• Clear goals ensured targeted action and efficient energy expenditure.

• Creativity and novelty allowed for problem-solving and adaptation to changing conditions.

2. Environmental Triggers:

• High Consequence:

  Engaging in activities with inherent risk elevates focus and engagement. Kotler mentions firefighters experiencing flow battling infernos, where the stakes demand absolute immersion.

• Rich Environment:

  Surrounding ourselves with diverse stimuli keeps our minds active and engaged. Kotler describes researchers entering flow while diving into coral reefs, constantly adapting to the vibrant and unpredictable ecosystem.

• Deep Embodiment:

  Connecting our physical and mental states through movement and sensation enhances attention and engagement. Kotler cites parkour athletes finding flow as they navigate complex urban environments, their bodies reacting instinctively to each obstacle.

Evolutionary Reasons behind environmental triggers of flow:

• High consequence situations triggered fight-or-flight responses, enhancing focus and agility for survival.

• Rich environments presented opportunities for resource discovery and learning, requiring heightened awareness.

• Deep embodiment facilitated quick reaction times and efficient movement in response to threats or opportunities.

3. Social Triggers and Group Flow:

Flow can also trigger through collaboration.

• Collaboration and Competition

Working or playing alongside others can create a sense of shared purpose and motivation. Kotler describes athletes experiencing flow during coordinated team plays or musicians finding it in the seamless interplay of a band.

There's two main flow triggers for social settings.

In "The Art of The Impossible" Kotler notes research that suggests flow can be triggered through shared struggle.

Remember that NBA team that got hot together in a close game?

They were in flow. Together.

• Teaching and Learning

  Sharing knowledge and skills strengthens memory and reinforces understanding.

  
  

  Experienced surgeons can enter flow while guiding medical students through complex procedures.

  
  

  The higher the stakes, the greater the challenge, the more likely that the flow state is triggered.

The Evolutionary Reason behind Group Flow

• Collaboration increased resource acquisition and defense capabilities, benefiting the entire group. Each person in a tribe has a specific set of skills, and collaboration ensured not only survival, but thriving by bringing together the best of the group.

• Teaching and learning facilitated knowledge transfer and skill development, crucial for cultural survival. The stronger the tribe, the more likely you would survive.

Kotler emphasizes that not every trigger applies to everyone and the ideal combination will vary depending on the individual and the activity. Additionally, frustration precedes flow, as shown in this article, and is often the point where most give up.

The key is to experiment and discover what works best for you to unlock the magic of flow and achieve peak performance in any chosen pursuit.