How to enter ‘flow state’ on command | Steven Kotler for Big Think
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- Опубліковано 30 кві 2022
- Peak performance mind hack explained in 7 minutes.
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Flow is described as a state of 'effortless effort,' where we feel like we're propelled through an activity, and everything else seems to disappear.
More specifically, flow refers to any moments of rapt attention and total absorption. You're so focused on the task at hand that everything else seems to disappear.
Researchers have discovered 22 catalysts that can help you prepare your environment and quickly drop into a flow state. A few of these include distraction management, dopamine triggering, and concentration.
Read the video transcript ► bigthink.com/series/the-big-t...
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About Steven Kotler:
Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the Executive Director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world’s leading experts on human performance. He is the author of ten bestsellers (out of thirteen books total), including The Art of Impossible, The Future Is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 40 languages, and appeared in over 100 publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, TIME and the Harvard Business Review. Steven is also the cohost of Flow Research Collective Radio, a top ten iTunes science podcast. Along with his wife, author Joy Nicholson, he is the cofounder of the Rancho de Chihuahua, a hospice and special needs dog sanctuary.
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Ah, you mean that sweet place back in the day when doing expert level Guitar Hero and you have to sort of zone out and not pay explicit attention so that your conscience thought doesn't get in the way of your hand eye coordination doing its thing... Apologies. I couldn't help myself. The difference in score between flow and non-flow on certain songs was just so extreme that it's the most generic thing that immediately comes to mind for me. Probably one of the more enjoyable, too. Outside of actual instrument playing and dancing, or most creative arts now that I'm thinking on it. The Guitar Hero still makes me grin though, so I'm sticking with it. 😂🦋
This is what I came to comments to say lol. Had to "flow" through expert mode on GH
@@GlowBowl420 Glad to hear I'm not the only one who went there. GH "flow" is awesome! Even more so when you second guess your "flow" and try to pay more attention. Epic fail! 😂 I think I owe that game to getting me comfortable with an almost complete zone out sort of "flow". There was another timed game that required really fast reflexes or you'd die. I don't remember the name. It's been too many years. Had to do the same with it.
I would occasionally make strange faces if it’s a fast tapping section, or stuff like TDWDTG strumming. Usually just space out until a solo, dial in, zone out
Honestly, that might be part of the joy of video games - the ability to get you into a flow state. How often are you playing and you find that you lose track of time, that you aren't paying attention to distractions, that you are fixated on a goal at the edge of your skill level? Games like Guitar Hero in particular where if you lose focus for even a split second you lose points or the game, and if you maintain continuously it you are rewarded.
@@ApAcVideoWatcher TETRIS is like this as well.
All you need is an essay due in 2 hours and you can get into flow immediately.
Totally. Immediate consequence is a huge motivator which helps us focus.
pair that with the positive response we get with putting off assignments and its no wonder so many people procrastinate
2 hours for an essay
We indians write it in 5 minutes
@@RyanGamingAndTuts How to overcome this procrastination though? Can't always wait till the deadline
@@montyi8 distractions and motivation
For me, once you start building the good habit (takes a month at least) you’ll see that it’s better to not have things floating over you that you’re putting off.
“Flow actually *feels* flowy.”
Every day let us be grateful for the wealth of free information that is at our fingertips
HAHAha pure wisdom
Flow states give us a feeling of fulfilling euphoria.
Wait until you read his next book, "The Art of Flowing Flowiness"
Chapter One: "Flow flows from your flowy flow vibes"
I imagine, like meditation this is very much felt and embodied. The language means little without the embodied feeling that follows. Flowie sounds as woowoo as thussness before I felt that. Tathatā
@@BoloBouncer WHAT? Now way! :D
Triggers
1. Novelty
2. Concentration
3. Unpredictability
4. Awe
5. Complexity
Motivators
1. Curiosity
2. Passion
3. Purpose
4. Autonomy
5. Mastery
what i was looking for thank you!
@@abelarvizu2898 I'm with you on that. The title of the video is "How to enter flow state on command" and this guy blathers on for 2 minutes about what flow state is. I find myself hitting the fast forward over and over just so I can get to the point. I think the point of the video is "Hey look at me I'm an expert blah blah blah" without really saying anything. I'm feeling way too cranky for a lazy Sunday lol. I just hate having to plow through nonsense to get any useful information. My attention span feels so short now - I'm like "get to the point!!"
@@JohnSmith-bb1sv exactly and I've been watching videos for the last hour with titles like "how to get into flow state" and it's the same thing with all of them!!!!
lmao ill never be in flow when doing something for school the. 😭
oh cool, i have none of that
I think this flow state is the best state of mind there is. I remember vividly experiencing it during long math problem sets in college. Things just start clicking and I become one with activity itself. It's incredible.
Yes, math triggers it for me as well, as does programming (so long as it’s my own codebase and not something icky.)
I actually try to beautify my code and organize the functions and Apis well, so I immediately get into a flow state whenever I deal with it.
@@TheLazyVideo Same here. In a way, I've allowed myself to become addicted to complex learning curves and can always seem to justify (to myself) the endless hours I put into them. From maths to sound engineering, data analysis, coding, model aircraft design, woodworking, photography etc., there's always some great frontier to explore and at times, I'll do so to the detriment of family and other priorities. This is flow-state addicts anonymous isn't it? 🙂 Cheers - Dave
Same!
Totally, first we don't want to do something but when we start doing it we can't live without it. The flow is most interesting thing and the worst is to be disturbed in that flow by some sense of urgency to do other tasks, that's when multiple tasks even when we are not doing them at the same time tend to decimates the performace.
so sugoi
Been paying attention to this guy for close to ten years, when I first saw him talking he was basically like "we know flow exists but we don't know exactly what causes it," glad to know he found answers.
and wha it is? i dont get his message.
@@danurkresnamurti3598 use the triggers in the video to achieve a flow state. A state of peak performance
That's awesome. It's so cool to be able to follow and learn along with folks like this. It shows how much we are learning all the time, and humanizes it as the result of people's study and effort.
@@MadDannyWest so it is. thankyou
@@danurkresnamurti3598 Come on. You've never been in a flow state in your life? That feeling of being completely locked in mentally with something and time just passes without you even realizing it because your entire focus is on what you are doing? That's what's being talked about here.
5 intrinsic motivators in order:
- Curiosity ( focus for free)
- Passion
- Purpose
- Autonomy (freedom to pursue purpose)
- Mastery (skills to pursue purpose well)
I wished I saw this comment before wasting 7 minutes. Thanks!
@@tamashi3017 Not really a waste though?
Yes it was a waste.
@Paco he said he wasted his time, not that you or anyone else did....
How can we put these motivators into actual steps ?
"Motivation is what gets us into the game.
Learning allows us to continue to play.
Creativity is how we steer.
And flow, which is optimal performance, is how we amplify all the results, beyond all reasonable expectations."
Golden lines 💛
OK, and how does one enter 'flow state' on command, as said in the title?
@@MB-rn4ulthe flow state isn’t something one can command, it is something that one must allow to happen on its own.
@@59master60Yes, so the title of the video is bs to begin with
and it is not a coincidence that the title isn't adressed anywhere in the video.
@@MB-rn4ul I think I found a way to get in to the flow state. Imagine nothing but darkness, with a ball of light flickering. Imagine the light flickering slowly, and then getting faster overtime, only speed up when you’re ready. Imagine it flickering every 1 second, then 1/2 of a second, then 1/4 of a second, then 1/8 of a second, then 1/16 of a second. Or you could just count in your head “1 2 3 4” and get faster. Eventually you’ll be in the flow state without even realizing it. But this is just my strategy, it may not work for everyone, all I know is that entering into the flow state involves extreme concentration.
Flow = relaxed but in control = less thinking, more doing = dancing/ skateboarding/ capoeira/ playing instruments/ martial arts/ chi gong/ juggling all my favourites.
Imagining you are already an expert at whatever it is you’re doing will put u straight into flow!!
We are all connected, so use the connection!!
this is actually super good advice
I do kinda feel connected to you. Perhaps it's your words. Your wisdom. Maybe the resonated. If so, maybe that charged the connection. Thanks
6:45 - "Motivation is what gets us into the game. Learning allows us to continue to play. Creativity is how we steer. And Flow is how we amplify the result beyond all reasonable expectation." - Steven Kotler
This. This is the recipe, I had to pause multiple times during this part to remember all steps.
"Flow is an optimal performance, how we amplify all the results beyond reasonable expectations"
It’s not really “beyond reasonable expectation” though, it’s more as if your brain’s concentration is at its peak
@@JuarezWeiss and yet, it we're counting steps....not in "the flow"
@Noah Wolf Were referring to two different terminologies of “flow” the flow I’m referring to is flow state , it has nothing to do with “love” or anything else other then the mind and the ability to focus , athletes , musicians , creative people of the like and even people at work go into their flow state and not even realize it , it’s a hard ability to master that requires hours and hours of built up practice of muscle memory more then anything. It is as if your body and mind are synergized to its highest potential. And has nothing to do with “love” or “spirit”.
Summary of how to get into flow
1. Being just outside your comfort zone
2. Novelty/Unpredictability
3. Complexity/Depth
4. Purpose
5. Curiosity/Passion
In short: be driven in a complex, unpredictable situation that’s outside of your comfort zone
in shorter: go in comfy zone limbo in a difficult situation
Living with chronic illness is like this.
I had awful pain and cfs for 10 years. Then it went into remission randomly (which is rare). I was super human, didnt need much sleep, didn't stress about anything, pain didn't bother me, i could do anything i needed my body to do.
Then 2 years later i caught covid and everything came back.
If you want to be in flow. Just relax and don’t think. Flow is literally non-thinking. And trusting. Don’t try to intellectualize it too much.
Thanks. Hit me up 👆!!
on point
Practice meditation
It's a bit more than that, you have to be in a situation where you're challenged
YOUR RIGHT!
I think the flow state is a pretty good indicator for what you should do in life. If you're unsure about what you want to do with your life, think back to the times when you experienced the flow state. Those are probably the kinds of things you should focus on in your life. Like the video said - the flow state and happiness seem to correlate in peoples lives.
Truth.
Videogames!!
I should focus on playing super mario
I get it when boxing and video games, but I've become fat and well past the age to likely do either competitively :'( haha. But I still enjoy them
good point !
this is the key to awakening to reality. I have often spoken about flow but you have put together the elements so very well
Thank you for this. I found "Flow" when I downhill mountain bike...I usually have to manage anxiety daily but when I ride...wow...everything just makes sense and I like that I feel in control even though the terrain and the activity would make most people feel "out of control or in fear". Moving meditation.
Taoism emphasizes the flow state or the “Wu Wei.” This is when instead of doing an act, one becomes it. This can be applied to all areas of life. This is 5th to 6th century B.C.
It's really unfortunate that the concept of Wu wei wasn't mentioned in the video at all. The Chinese have been talking about the flow state for millennia.
Thanks for this info!!!
Then it's ancient knowledge, repackaged for marketability to today's consumers.
@@devorahgarland4916 Yes, cultural appropriation. Crediting the original source would have been a respectful and honest thing to do. To even use the terminology of "Flow" is directly taken from Taoism.
exactly this
I can force a state of flow through a little routine. Eat nothing and drink little coffee then meditate (15) any meditation , then second half meditation (15) visualizing what you’re goin to do, visualize every feeling every thought you have while at it, relive your past experiences with that thing you’re trying to get into the flow state with. Every single sensation.
I discovered this when I had procrastinated so bad on my school and had a day to finish everything.
Interesting... I'll certainly will try this. Thank you!
I think having a routine at all is the biggest part of entering flow state. Before sitting down to work on something important, I just take off my headphones, make myself a cup of coffee while thinking about whatever comes to mind, then I start working while whittling down the coffee. I’ve heard things as simple as having designated clothing to wear for a particular activity though.
Hahaha legendary, even in the face of failure you still find time to meditate 🤣 procrastinaters UNITE!
@@DankSwegSkuxxXhayel oh man, I was gambling with my investment of time there. But it was the correct one, never had I felt so focus in my life, if only I could’ve discovered this sooner before I’d wasted half a year procrastinating on my piling assignments. Welp I passed and I get to graduate now so :D attending ceremony from Fs to b- s
You just accidentally discovered manifestation which is:
1) have a goal
2) enter a meditative state of mind
3) act out your goal in your imagination
4) intensify the feeling of your imaginary action until it feels way too real
5) ???
6) have your goal achieved in real life
For me, listening to music is almost essential to get into a flow. It's hard to concentrate when surprising noises happen. Listening to sounds where you know what's coming next, especially if it can drown out the environmental noise, is very helpful for focus. A productive day is one where I got to listen to music.
As a musician, one of my flow triggers is the opposite of full attention. I know this happens for a lot of song-writers. Playing guitar for example while watching guitar. I’m paying no attention to the guitar just letting my fingers move often in common patterns for 20 or minutes but then something often catches my ear so I pay a little bit of attention and then more and more when I find something novel and interesting. The key for me is then going into my studio to then work it out and devote my full focus with no distractions.
I also play a lot of improvised music and for that I call it playing the emotion. So I’ll start out very conventionally playing in tired old patterns but I’m focusing on my own emotions at the time. Am I in a good mood, frustrated, upset, depressed, annoyed whatever and I stop thinking and let my ear find resonance with those emotions. Almost like tuning a string to an emotion instead of say A440Hz. When I’ve locked that in I focus on the other musicians and see where I fit in with that. Sometimes the order gets flipped and I’m instantly responding to them but because these pieces are 20-45 minutes long the emotions also flow and evolve. It’s the most amazing feeling and I really love the output nearly every time and when I don’t it’s because I’m stuck in my own head and not flowing. I get focused on playing something cool I did the other day and that messes it all up…recapturing past magic is a recipe for improvised disaster.
My day job is as a high school AP Bio teacher and I’ve built my lesson plans around this. I still have real world issues like the bell and curriculum I have to cover and fire alarms and all the normal stuff but my classes go much better when I only have a rough outline of what I need to cover but my analogies and stories are different for each class which gets them more engaged and keeps my own brain from melting because I’m usually teaching the same lesson five times a day which my ADHD self does not like that type of repetition.
I do think here is a connection between ADHD and at least artistic flow states. We crave novelty and most of us seem to go from over thinking to absolutely no thinking and all instinct driven or even disassociation pretty easily.
Give my channel a peek. I've been studying the concepts and applying them to gaming and sports via music for 36 years. Martial arts for a couple decade. Game wise started with playing Silver Surfer on Nintendo and moving with the beat of the song in an insanely hard game. If I became angry however it hit those notes like I just never managed to do and just so happened to beat the game within a night. I never recorded in those times but technology changed. To learn that game was considered among the most difficult ever in the information age gave me a basis to try it more in modern gaming since my sports days are limited to training my child now. I never made a living of either thing. Just wanted to be able to play or do what the moment called for with even focus. I didn't want ANY of those to take away from, my performance in any of the others and that meant emotional aspects could not be dismissed I expect nothing nor dismiss anything by life practice.
I only upload rough drafts since the average viewer seeks shiny wrappers. I practice internal and external martial arts/combined arts, and translation of skills so the idea of underestimation brings it's own wisdom. Music permits personally induced flow state if the song makes our hair stand up or catches our subconsciousness or the lyrics resonate but standing arm hair is a quick hint. Easy sign that it is a "flow song" to teach others.
Synchrony and playing video games in time signature- treating each move as a note, and each note as a keyframe was how I applied it personally gave me a way to reach my child and a competitive edge lacking time to practice after becoming a father in 2012. Plus, some group synchrony science demos/shorts are included. Creative story form in a diary adaptation to Original Character and an organic playing style I translated in from my own experiences as well. Totally personalized by living it out. Since we can all live out an experience of flow state in our own personal ways when we reach out of our comfort zones or favorite familiar things to find what instead moves us. Then harnessing and channeling that intentionally induced vibe and energy when we have a nice library of music to keep it from getting oversaturated. If we hear something too frequently over time it gets played out, right. Therefore the respective "journeys/stories/songs" of each avatar in each game become united by growing the synchronized actions out as well. If we do the same dance it gets played out too. Anyhow. In the digital world there is no injury limitation unless it is VR.
At a point energy, whether positive or negative or balanced, is more tuned in with the vibe of the action challenging you for a higher committed state itself. Spontaneous(or Simulated) Methodical Organic Kinetic Energy Game "Smoke Game" due to flowing like Smoke and a particular world ranking. The story however is how I learned to tune in each emotion to a vibe and put it in a figurative scale as if they were notes.
That was my pilot test version bringing martial arts training from real life in to complete the equation in other activities. What I learned was those activities were two-way conduits for shared transferrable skills that flow state enhanced acutely on demand or inspiration for a better term of how to induce it intentionally. Some of the tests were with my child and his friends. Shared synchronized performance in a flow state via encouragement, and selfless rhetoric. Not to mention all of us live with ADHD so there are personal empathies shared in our test groups. We let loose and had more fun with enhanced focus and I taught it since flow state didn't belong to me. Just my Original Character, "Smoke Lord" An average skilled person with minimal time to invest in muscle memory capable of hitting elite levels due to pattern recognition and gaming experience to go with the other years of training mentioned above. Growing up, I was a Tuba player who could play guitar by ear quite proficiently.
I have ADHD so I got on a long there. The pattern however is that everything in my gaming is supported by some science. That and math were my best subjects. The rest was hard work and that is always rewarded however some things went into my wildest dreams with flow state and synchrony for pure fun with the kids. I don't have all around elite skills now but I don't embarrass myself despite barely being able to see. I'm not grandparent age for a good while, however my eyes have never been good. Never underestimate yourself. We have a much in common, so it was legit cool to find your comment randomly, mate. You apply your talents in a cool way that made sense to me immediately. However not surprised to find it here in a community who doesn't dismiss flow state. Music makes the people come together and so does good communication. I couldn't tell you have ADHD and you seem very concise. The science of synchrony can also be searched as a topic and augments this flow state control perfectly. Why your comment caught my eye. This reply was spontaneous but at 120 WPM took only 3ish or so mins. Forgive if I had typos and if I wasn't as concise as you. Congrats! Best wishes in your guitar pursuits and flow state studies!
I go into flow states when I'm producing music. I'm not gonna act like I'm at an amazing level yet, but in these flow states I find myself discovering techniques, or laying down a nice melody or sequence of chords I have NO IDEA how I came up with, It's like an intelligent force takes over me and just works through me. I've been in the state for 15 hours straight, it allows me to focus for a ridiculous long amount of time, sometimes without eating or sleeping, and I feel dopamine surging through me the whole time. And I barely stop for even moment to think or consider what I'm doing next, it's just a steady and rapid flow of action, bang bang bang bang bang. As if browsing through massive sound libraries, choosing sounds, manipulating audio, tweaking parameters, drawing midi, automating tracks, sound design, as if all that is just a mindless and natural process like say having sex. Now I try to find balance and be careful with this state, because it has actually left me pretty out of whack mentally and physically when the reality that I haven't slept in 2 days and have eaten nothing but a small snack hits me and I have to go to WORK lol (where I'm definitely not experiencing flow state). Anyway I've sworn off alcohol and drugs when I realized that getting high is a natural phenomenon and a high that makes you incredibly creative, efficient, and productive?? Yes I'll take that instead, thanks.
I know exactly what you mean!!! I produce music and when I get into the flow state EVERYTHING just flows out of me. I really need to learn to trigger it more often
@@upturn2. I find I can’t force it, it just kinda comes. Letting go, relaxing and not thinking too much helps. I believe medititation helps induce it, just letting go of all thoughts beliefs intentions, and the natural forces take over. Sounds so esoteric and mystical but this shit is real. The mind inhibits our abilities so much!
@@ZackWilliams_TheProducer im guna have to try it, IF ONLY i could do it every single time i sit down to produce music, wow i would have albums and albums by now😂😂
You may be experiencing mania
Interesting! Getting high w/o drugs or alcohol✔️
Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark🇩🇰
- steady as you go!
Being in flow state is incredible when you’re working on something that matters to you - like when 3 hours pass by and it feels likely you’ve barely made a dent in the day’s clock.
after this video, i realized that i have actually been into flow more times than i thought. i'm a programmer, and when i already got the idea and flow down, i can code for 5 hours straight until my alarm for lunch rings. i love those moments because it makes the work day go by faster.
As an ADHD person, I always found it quite easy to enter that flow state, even more since I became aware of my condition. To be honest, it has been a lot of times even a necessity, to keep my sanity and not be overwhelmed by my own thoughts.
In your case I believe it's called "hyperfocus"
Would love to know how you achieve that state?
@@jauharabbas1532 I dont know if it would work the same for you, but its a combination of several things. First, be fully aware of your own self ( tbh, as a quite self centered person, that part always have been quite easy😁). You will probably find some guilt in the way, as we are human, a social animal, and in most cultures, everything thats self-centered is at best frown upon.. Get rid of that, and everything thats in the way. In fact whatever works for you, you need to be as relaxed as you can. For me, that flow state is a question of good connection to the unconscious, something fluid, liquid, «flowy». Then comes the trigger (music in my case), dunno what works for you, but something your passionnate about should do just fine. And then just vibe on what you love, without any restrain, your unconscious knows better😁 Thats the key, and the big paradox for me, it s at the same time a fully self centered experience and a complete surrender of the «self» to allow the othet parts of you to express themselves. I hope you will find something useful here, dunno if i was clear... nobody taught me that, and i never bothered before to try to explain it to someone..
Considering that both, nobody has ever told you and you’ve never explained that before, to me I’d say you explained that quite clearly! And again considering you’ve never explained it, I wanted to really thank you for taking the time to respond with such a great, image or even a great way to try and apply said method. Thank you!
@@thevisitor1012the ability to ”Hyper focus” is an autism trait not to be mixed up with “perseveration” which is a common behavior of ADHD that is similar to “hyper focus” but has a very different motivator and feels very differently. Often the ADHD variant of hyper focus is involuntary meaning it is not hyper focus but perseveration. Something like that… not mutually exclusive of course.
The mention of coding is very true. The moment I started watching I was thinking of that. I always just referred to it as "the zone", where if I can manage to get into it I know for sure I'll be getting a week's worth of work done in one day haha. I have pretty severe ADHD though, so it's a serious challenge. Like this video said though, I find it easiest to get into it when I'm tackling a problem juuuuuuuuuust at the edge of my skills. So if a problem is too basic or too wildly out of my experience range I'll lose focus, but if it's a complex twist on what I already have an understanding of I can chew it for hours on end.
when adhd gets hit by curiosity, you hit 'the zone' for hours in that rabbit hole tho xD
Hyperfocus, at least for me, feels like a state of flow. It feels amazing and it's about the only benefit of ADHD there is in my opinion. I totally agree with your findings, when a task is out of my skillset or too easy, it's really hard for me to do, but when it's just within the boundaries of my knowledge and curiosity, hyperfocus or a flow state takes over!
@@RikkerdHZ I have ADHD as well, and I have to avoid distractions like a plague if I were to ever enter the state of flow. Even the sound of my neighbour's car revving up could distract me enough sometimes. I also had to delete my favourite social media apps. Going through social media kinda fills up my brain's 'RAM' to the point that the next task I would do after social media will be less 'sticky' in a way that my attention can't hold on to it long enough for it to be understood well. I do think that meditation, naps, and mindfulness are important tools to achieve flow. Gotta empty the mind from the unneeded baggages first!
bruh i be wondering sometimes, how tf are these easy problems give me so much trouble.
Well said!
In my opinion, flow is just when you allow your unconscious to take over the reins. The fact that (as this video mentions) people are more productive and happier during flow really says a lot about how overrated conscious experience and cognition is
Emotions exists in the conscious state though so you wouldn’t be able to experience how much you enjoy flow if it wasn’t for being conscious
@@CarbonsHDTuts actually emotions are subconscious
Actually, flow state is when your conscious and unconscious mind are perfectly aligned with each other, working in sync towards a common challenging activity.
Habit is when you allow your unconscious to take the reins (like biting your nails)
@@the-unibrow-kid3728 well actually I just realised they’re both
@@Leipage I believe the degree in which the conscious and unconsious mind sync varies and depends on the activity.
One of the best breakdowns of flow I've seen to date, this is a fantastic video to show someone new to flow.
Key points for me. Watched on Sunday 7th May 2023
Flow is effortless effort. We are propelled through our activities.
Goethe = Rausch = overflowed joy.
Get comfortable at being uncomfy. do things at a skill level just above your skill level.
To get into flow, you need novelty. Awe. Complexity.
Lots of dopamine released from pattern recognition. [he mentioned in art of impossible. So did MC in flow]. Risk taking. Social risk.
One thing I wish he mentioned was the role of the subconscious mind in all this. It's literally the machine that makes the flow state possible. He hinted at it in the beginning when stating how the easiest way to get to it would be to separate from the conscious mind, aka the ego, or the limitless sense of self that is instead self-limiting.
Yup. The default mode network gets shut off (the 'wandering mind'). But it's really difficult to force yourself into flow without something to focus on. Step one is to shut off the DMN, which can be done via mindfulness. Step two is to give yourself something so needing of focus the DMN doesn't come on again.
This is why so many people doing dangerous things talk about flow or 'the zone'. In fact, it's part of the actual reason some people do risky things (or enjoy challenges).
I feel flow when doing something athletic and challenging that requires focus, like rock climbing or performing on stage. And I used to live for those moments because they seemed to be the only time my DMN ever shut off - I didn't really need all the intense focus that comes with flow, but I desperately needed the 'noise' of my DMN to shut up.
Since I started meditating and practicing mindfulness I've much less need to seek out 'flow activities' to give my brain a rest, because I've learned of safer ways to shut off my DMN.
It's the ability to access the subconscious state and detach from the conscious over thinking that enables this deep sense of flow.
“One of the really incredible things about being human is we are all built for peak performance, flow is universal”
True, but not all the time. Humans are very bad at constant performance, not to speak of constant peak performance. We are not machines.
It's was so difficult for me to get into flow with all the distractions in my environment. Now that I've set aside those distractions I have been getting into flow so much since. Thank you.
Flow, min vän, är en av de mest magnifika och kraftfulla tillstånden vi kan uppleva. När vi är i flowet, är vi som en del av en större helhet, där allt faller på plats. Vi är mer kreativa, produktiva och utstrålar en naturlig förmåga att ta hand om situationer som uppstår.
The way he describes flow reminds me so much of how autistic folks experience anything that we're interested in. Time disappears, it all makes sense, everything fits together, etc. It doesn't even have to be something that interests us that much, but when we get into a focused state, we feel that rhythm take over. I've spoken to many other autistic people and they say similar things.
This is what I’ve been thinking about. What’s the difference- if there is one -between Flow and Hyperfixation/Hyperfocus with ND brains?
@@loshay3325 Obsession? Lol
I love my hyperfocus, it can be nigh on a super power
Hyperfixation is a god damn curse
Because I can never hyperfixate on something useful
the state of flow is so great. with 17 I started to work at the bar. I was young and foolish. did so many things wrong but consumed every little bit of experience. with 18 I was the best and fastest worker at the bar and in service. I constantly fell in that feeling of tunnel vision, that was my work, but everything like communication with guest and my team, the organization and every movement of my body was perfect for the bar I worked at. so I quickly became the team leader and it was so fun just to feel that feeling of effortless awareness of everything. and yes it was a full-time job but it felt more like my sport or hobby. mainly because I was still in college. it's the best feeling ever
I found this extremely interesting, informative and to the point. Thank you for making this video
You can tell this man’s understanding is unparalleled and so valuable.
"We are all built for peak performance" I like this
Facts 👏🏽💯
2:20 Golden Rule
4:00 Dopamine
5:00 Motivators👌
As a professional writer and designer, I'm in flow daily. I refer to it as being "under the dome." It's so joyful and productive I've placed an intention around creating more of it in my life, like playing music in bands and jam sessions, and kayaking. My life has been happier for "chasing (and creating) flow."
This video was such a validation and an astoundingly comprehensive packaging of many of the ideas I've been having on changing my relationship with my adult ADHD.
The only time I've felt like that was playing sports. One time running a sprint my mind was so focused I didn't realize how far ahead I was and the race was over. Actually, I'd experienced something similar, minus the adrenaline writing and during college tests.
Tests are a great example. When they are on the edge of your skill level, and you are free from distractions, it's setting conditions very conducive to flow state for many people. Of course, experiences may vary for people who find focusing in those settings difficult or anxiety-provoking, etc.
@@bigthink In school I always struggled on homework and tedious assignments but when I took tests I’d ace them: it’s probably related to the flow state.
Showing my age, I suppose: Flow first came to me while reading a good book. I was so completely immersed that I didn't even hear sounds or notice what was happening around me. Drove my parents crazy!
People don't read books anymore?
Well that’s how you know you were damn well invested in that book! Haha
THIS!💓Thank you for sharing. It's all the philosophies and rabbit holes about FLOW I've been studying, but all in one comprehensive video.
I find it quite amazing to think how often we enter flow state without even realising it. We do it when we read. We can be comprehending the words we read without even thinking about the book. We do it when driving, practically turning on mental auto pilot
Damn, that's why I loved reading. Cause it felt like the words (and the world) appeared inside my brain. Haven't felt that while reading in years, and I wonder why
@@saramarzoli9647 I think it’s because u need to begin with interest in order to achieve flow. So possibly u haven’t been reading the right books and haven’t been overly interested in them
Yep. If we can start to identify those more mundane flow states, perhaps we can increase the time that we are in flow. Maybe even "live" (constantly exist) in a flow state?
I just thought about driving being similar the instant before I read your comment.
How many times have we reached our regular destination without being consciously aware of our actions and decisions along the way.
I used to experience this quite regularly when playing pool, I was virtually unbeatable when In this state. Never understood it, and could never switch it on at will.
Wish I saw this vid 25 years ago lol
I don't think that you can switch in on at will... I believe it's the opposite, you stop doing things that keep you out of your flow. Flow is effortless in a way, why would it take effort to get there? Others have used effort to get you out of your flow, like your parents, your school, your work etc.
@@sonkeschmidt2027 Makes sense, I used to try and concentrate harder, convince/remind myself what I'm capable of. It worked to some extent I guess.
Great points. Sometimes trying to focus can work and sometimes it can feel maddeningly difficult. You can create the right conditions to get into flow and increase the amount of time you spend in it by discovering what works for you and setting the same conditions.
For example, one thing I (the Big Think social media guy) have found helpful is listening to the Flow State podcast and working in 25 minute increments, followed by 5 minute breaks where I do something simple and physical to use a different part of my brain (e.g. do dishes).
One thing to remember is it's not always effortless and that's okay. Like meditation, getting mad at yourself can be counterproductive. It's better to just observe what's going wrong, if possible take a step to remediate it (e.g. putting your phone in a drawer), and doing your best to get back to the task at hand.
@@bigthink Wow, such a cool reply. Thanks for that, very useful 👍🏼
Amazing video, if we could only stay in this state for a longer period of time haha
hear hear!
Greetings from Copenhagen, Denmark🇩🇰
You can. Practice daily
I was given a year and a half .How about that and it was pure love and supreme extacy. I ask for it for 14 years.
key component is the stretch factor..if you’ve committed to let’s say mountaineering, it’s the stretch that puts u in the zone like anything else..
and it’s not the mountaineering but the person worked on..activity being by-product
WARNING!!! HELL IS REAL!!! WE CAN NOT HIDE OUR SINS FROM GOD. JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS....WE CAN ONLY GET TO HEAVEN BY BELIEVING THAT JESUS CHRIST IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. MARK1:15 REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND......
Fantastic perspective, Steven's well spoken with his words and his analogies are extraordinary.
This is a nice explanation. Intricate needlework is a passion for me, when I play a long video with soft music, then, start to stitch, I feel the flow. Often, time seems to pass very slowly as I watch the beautiful design appear.
Another flow activity for me is to stand at the sink, washing dishes. With my hands in the warm water, doing something that requires very little thought, the reptation. I actually enjoy it.
It's cool to see a more empirical look at flow. I've experienced it a lot through yoyo and music, but I've never really seen any solid info on it. It's honestly one of the best feelings. One thing that I've noticed for flow that is possibly one of the most important aspects is consistency. I recently took a break from my hobbies due to being busy with school, and I noticed that getting into that state was much harder. Guitar especially. However, recently I've been getting back into them, playing guitar for a couple hours a day, and just today I slipped in for an hour while trying to plan out the chords for a song. I don't usually have an ear for composition since I tend to get too caught up in my thoughts, wanting to piece it together with intention, but today I just started playing and everything kinda melted away, and I made the most complex chord progression I've ever created, by just letting intention go. Everything else just filled in. I have a similar thing with yoyo. In many ways, it's far easier to let your hands to the work, and just look out for interesting things that I can later reconstruct to understand them. But if you miss too much time, even a matter of days, depending on your skill, you have to put in practice just to catch back up to where to were. It's ironic that the more skilled you are, the more skipping practice puts you back
Appreciate the insight bro. I took a lot from this.
As someone that has been riding a skateboard for the last 13 or so years, flow state is the only place you can be when you learn and land new tricks , especially if there is a higher risk factor involved ! Those "off days" that all athletes, musicians and people get are for sure days they are not tapping into flow !
The on days of skating feel wild compared to the "off Days" but I never get upset at myself for not reaching Flow state ! But Via Skateboarding I get tot taste that feeling often, and since registering with it a few years ago I have tried to make it an active pursuit in my "day to Day " task ! I would like to flow right through the world !
Happy your sharing these discoveries and people are looking into things like this more ! Much needed for a fulfilling life I do think !
I Loved How you put the Flow state into words! Felt so deeply with this video! 😍✨
Fully Loaded Big think. This Podcast is Full of dopamine without drugs, without talking down to people with other addictions. Spot-on truth about human behaviours at its BEST.
I hope you continue to share this positive knowledge to many. Thanks for this video. Keep growing forward. Ms.Tree.
For me I've experienced flow state in 3 different scenarios. Those who play competitively in video games can relate to the first one as the very first time i felt it was during a 1v5 clutch during a tournament match. 2nd was during my study of cybersecurity when i would spends hours and hours in front of my computer with no idea of time. Last that came to me was during a presentation i was performing in front of professional evaluators for a project. I remember the last one especially because i was very anxious presenting in front of everyone and i had notes on what to say and what not but as soon as i was standing there i was stumbling lookin down on my notes repeatedly making aloy of mistakes so i took a sip of water and trusted my hard work and research behind the subject i was presenting and closed the notes and went on ahead completely off of my thoughts and i had never felt more confident in what i was doing as if nothing else mattered at that moment. Even though there were interruptions by people asking question never for a second did i doubt any word that was coming out of my mouth and that feeling was honestly out of this world.
That's fantastic. Good shit man 👌
Hold my beer I gotta clutch this 😂 and you do. Yea that’s def flow. Like entering the matrix.
i assume u were playing some type of cs? I relate to that so much, i can have games/sessions where i am just insanely focused and playing out of my mind, its truely incredible and i wish i could go into it everytime i played. I was on this video because i have trouble with consistency and the ability to play to my potential and i saw this comment.
@@jam1ecs You just explained it perfectly and is one of the reasons I love to IGL in CS. It's like I'm tapping in to the Devine at times and there isn't a better feeling in the world. On the other hand I also have experience in Ahmad's second scenario with just delving myself deeply in to learning things I'm passionate about, coding, philosophy, world events, sacred geometry etc. I've had hours just melt away as I'm in that curious / passionate mindset.
@@rawbmar1166 yep! its a truely beautiful state we wish we could all be in constantly
I get the flow a lot when playing video games, especially fighting games like Tekken. It requires complete attention when fighting an opponent and once I’m in that flow I make the right decisions and my reaction times are much more natural.
Bullet hell games I feel are deliberately created to push one into a flow state
Tekken and Brawlhalla really bring out the flow state in me easily so I relate to this hard
I relate to this so much when playing sounds games. The games push you out of comfort zone to learn the flow of the opponent so you can counter it with your own flow and then it because an elaborate dance about defeating your foe
i think this can be applied to the ability of speaking a second language, in my experience. I am a pretty fluent german speaker after learning it 5 years ago (and living in germany ever since), before that i could only speak english and had no contact with german. I still struggle with speaking fluently when i'm nervous or have to talk in front of strangers, because my conscious mind gets in the way and i start overthinking and making mistakes. a few months ago i experienced a random day of clarity and i was speaking as fluently as if i had been speaking german since childhood. No mistakes, i could express myself without boundaries of lacking vocabulary and i wasn't overly conscious of it. I was simply speaking what i wanted to say and it was coming out perfectly, i was using vocabulary words i was surprised that i even knew and my sentence structure was impressing me as i spoke. it almost felt like i was using a different part of my brain than i normally would and my whole perspective was different that day. Unfortunately i have not experienced it again, but i found it fascinating! really interesting to think about what we could be capable of, if only we didn't get in our own way all the time
Man flow state is the best thing ever. I’ve experienced in video games and in work. You just know what to do how to do it, and get it done with such efficiency it’s unparalleled.
Motivation is what gets us into the game,
Learning allows us to continue to play,
Creativity is how we steer,
And Flow is how we amplify all the results beyond our reasonable expectations.
Beautiful isn't it .....
I've experienced this "Flow" a number of times. It happened when I was calm and confident before beginning a particular task.
The less you are aware of something the more you're presence seems to seep into the flow and everything becomes instinct.
the more you are presence... sure, nice one
@@MaverickJeyKidding minor mistake, don't be idiotic 'bout it
Amazing! Thanks for sharing such insightful thoughts
I get this feeling swimming in the ocean. Assessing each wave, rising and falling with it, intuiting the physics and how to adjust my movements sightly, in a relaxed but focused state. I also get like this when I’m developing a theory framework based of information, expanding some areas, understanding how the pieces fit together or interrelate and / or are interdependent, and how such a framework would be applied in tangible ways.
If u have Netflix, my octopus teacher would be a good watch. Had to watch it for one of my classes but based on the stuff u said u sound a lot like the person the documentary is based off of
@@da1ly.animal.f2ct 🤔....... haha........
I kinda like the way yer brain 🧠 operates ... haha.
I love your description!
WARNING!!! HELL IS REAL!!! WE CAN NOT HIDE OUR SINS FROM GOD. JESUS DIED FOR OUR SINS....WE CAN ONLY GET TO HEAVEN BY BELIEVING THAT JESUS CHRIST IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. MARK1:15 REPENT FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND......
Thank you for this video. This really motivated me. I tend to struggle with concentration and motivation but this makes me want to keep working on finding that flow state and realize the things I want.
The flow state feels amazing.. everything slows down.. all your training all your thoughts become 1 process.. I believe focus and training brings you to the flow state
This was simply amazing. Thank you for the knowledge, it can be applied to anyone who listens!
The flow state is another way of describing mindfulness .
You zone into a state of conscious awareness and focus without distraction.
Outside thoughts and mind chatter are put in park .
You are tapping into your subconscious whilst maintaining awareness with a pin point lazer concentration which feels effortless .
We fall into this 'flow' state naturally at times by apparent sheer luck but it's something that can be orchestrated at will deliberately.
Roger Federer is a master flow stater .
One day i was waiting to my mom to come back after she and me was going to get my sister with turner syndrome from the teacher, i met a kid where was with another kid playing, we talked a bit until the other kid found a piece of a garden hose and then began hitting me with it with no reason, i got mad and when i tried to get him the kid i was talking tried to protect him, i dont remember controlling my body and all i wanted was to spank that kid so he dont do that with even someone else, after i got able what i desired i realized what happened (the others that were playing soccer came to get me out of the kid, the kid ran away) and i began thinking about what my parents would do and even what my mom would think, that made me go into tears and i got so shamed that i couldnt talk to them(the soccer ppl) even though they werent doing nothing and were only beeing friendly, then my mom got there and i got beaten by her in front of them and even by my dad, only to he tell me a story when he was a teen about a kid trying to get into a fight with him with 5 man behind him
Your comment made me remember this as it says what i felt and what happened that day
PS: it was like 2-4 years ago
Can you tell us how Roger Federer enters the flow state deliberately?
Complete concentration - distraction management ahead of time, intrinsic motivation - curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy - the freedom to pursue - mastery - the skills to pursue something well. Motivation learning creativity and flow - amplify
The only time in my life i've entered Flow was in gaming. Gaming is my passion and so that was the only field where I truly could put all of these factors into motion to enter flow.
That was fascinating! Thank you, Steven Kotler!
I achieved a short flow state yesterday while play my disc golf. It felt so good afterwards but when I threw my disc I was feeling nothing but the slope of the shot. The movement of my shot was so smooth and fluid it felt angelic. It was truly intriguing
It helps if you lose emotional stresses and thoughts when you’re trying to hit flow. Like meditation before or having 1 burning desire in your mind
Most basic of flow triggers:
1. Complete concentration
2. Practice distraction management ahead a time
3. Risk-taking to get dopamine, motivation standpoint with specific sequences: curiosity, passion, purpose,freedom, and mastery.
Wonderful video. Great information and amazing video edits and BGM. Thank you❤
Truly incredible stuff, it's amazing to see how far the studies of flow have come. Personally I find that the criteria mentioned really matched when I am able to enter the flow state. Generally it is when one is not bound by external pressure and driven by raw and pure internal motivations, when one truly has both the physical and mental freedom and space to do the exceptional.
This was an awesome video, a constant stream of information that held my attention. I want more flow!
this is one of the best videos i ever saw well done Big Think and Steven Kotler
This is the content I'm looking for, thankyou !
I been able to enter the zone or flow state at will in sports and gaming my whole life. I have always viewed it as a sort of meditated state were I can see the future milliseconds to seconds ahead of time. Always reacting to what will be and not what is.
Yeah, I do it with porn all the time
that sounds like akashi’s emperor’s eye from kuroko’s basket ball.
entering the limbic system
I've always felt that adrenaline played a role in locking in flow for long periods. That might be why it's common in sports.
Same. When my Opponents are skilled and match my skills, I enter the state of flow. If the match is to ez I'm bored, because I miss the challenge. It's not about win or lose, it's about fun!
+
If I don't have the skill or it is just to challenging, I'm bored too. Challenge + Skill needs to be one.
Flow is so amazing, I've only ever gotten into the flow state while studying a few times but recently I'm just always distracted
This is really helpful. Thank you for sharing.
I have accessed flow state my whole life from childhood thru to today at 45. I switch it up depending on how I feel motivated, either drawing painting or crafting, playing an instrument, street skating, gardening or a random home reno project.
When I do art I find that the key mindset is to 'forgive myself and move on' with any perceived failures when I make art. When I came up with this way of thinking for myself it helped me overcome all my deep procrastination and perfectionism and I access flow state much quicker and for longer when I just look at making art as simply being experimental and having fun.
I hope this helps someone
A different terminology for flow would be the 'Zone'. I have felt the zone while playing Football. It would be short but temporary and i would be unbeatable with the ball at my feet for that short period.
Found this video after being a flow state for a week, during quarantine and it never happened again, I was in a clean house, complete silence and I felt like I moved back into my head and just ran on a very warm autopilot with a mind so clear I could hear a pin drop
But then my folks came back home from their vacation and now Im moving into my own place soon, cause I'm hooked, loved the feeling so much
i wanna move out for this very reason
You are actually talking about a state beyond bio-chemical motivation. I call that the state of pure reason and am working on that as the driver of the success I have generated after almost 2 decades of focus on a task. Will definitely be reading your material.
I'm saving this one. Good work 👍🏽❤
I believe those who edited this video did really enjoy making it, Thanks a lot for this free great value ♥
Pixar’s “Soul” touched on the flow state characterizing it as the space between the physical and spiritual in 2020. This was the first time i seen this topic brought up in such a mainstream media.
I’m barely 19 and have been researching this topic for about 3 years as an NBA analyst stated Stephen Curry is able to enter an unconscious state on the basketball court the way he shoots. I remember resonating with that statement and have been obsessed with learning about the topic ever since.
I think Music is the best way to enter the flow state as i believe Music is capable of entering our unconscious state, frequencies. But i found it very fascinating how i felt that with basketball and not any other sport really. I love the sport with its combination of hand-coordination, depth perception, and having a chess like feel, etc. I am waiting for it to be dubbed the best sport lol. Great video.
one of the most beneficial videos Ive ever watched
I reached this playing basketball a small number of times. It is real and an incredible feeling. I think that a lot of Pros unlock something in their brain to reach it consistently.
The coder thing is so true. And it very frustrating working in a place where no one else is a coder and understands. I can get into a flow state mindset easiest with coding but only in the beginning, it's such a step by step logical process when I'm as awake as I am, I can fall into it especially if it's interesting. But if my office phone rings or someone interrupts me, it's very very hard to get back into it and usually the rest of the day is just me chipping away at what I was working on.
Very true, I'd be writing out tons of lines in an instant with the whole idea pictured fully in my head. And then once you get interrupted or stopped it's just not the same anymore.
We know we belong, fear disappears, love and acceptance overflows, we enjoy being
Beautifully explained.
Long walks around London or in nature off the grid with just educational vids like this or music to listen to is a good way to refresh the mind. Being offline is nice sometimes
Excellent video depicting an idea in an easy to follow and easily understood format... One could say: “This video has an amazing flow!” 🙂
..Thanks 📥👆!! Msg ..
Total immersion into the experience of the present moment. Practice mindfulness and non-duality.
Key Points brought to you by HARPA AI:
00:00 - Flow described as 'effortless effort,' feeling propelled through an activity, time dilation, heightened intuition, and paralyzed frown muscles.
01:35 - Flow refers to moments of rapt attention, total absorption, and effortless decision-making.
02:33 - The challenge-skills balance is crucial: the task's challenge slightly exceeds our skill set.
03:05 - Flow triggers include complete concentration, starting work when most alert, and blocking distractions for uninterrupted focus.
04:02 - Dopamine triggers for flow: novelty, unpredictability, complexity, and experiences of awe drive focus and attention.
05:00 - Intrinsic motivators leading to flow: curiosity, passion, purpose, autonomy, and mastery.
06:27 - Flow is universal in humans and shared in social mammals, leading to groupflow.
06:56 - Flow: motivation gets us in, learning lets us continue, creativity steers, and flow amplifies performance.
The video emphasizes the importance of challenge, concentration, dopamine triggers, intrinsic motivators, and how flow contributes to optimal performance.
Needed this, thank you!
I recently bought Tetris Effect and at the beginning I sucked pretty hard, after a while I started getting focussed a little bit more and more until I felt I entered the Matrix and I was flowing, efforlestly stacking Tetrominos. I felt superb.
A few months ago I did a meditation which put me in to an unbreakable flow state. It lasted 8 hours, up until I went to sleep. When I awoke in the morning, I was still flowing, and this lasted about another 8 hours. I was astonished, because flow is usually very fragile and requires you to be focused on one thing, whereas this was unbreakable, and was present no matter what I was doing.
This suggests that it is possible to live in flow, does it not? A very exciting thought.
What was the meditation method? How did you do it?
@@CoachDoug714 So, no resistance, total acceptance of what is, no aim.
What were you doing when in the flow state? (studying, creating, etc.)
@@KevinJohnMulligan Reading, talking with people, gaming, sleeping, watching UA-cam, listening to music, eating dinner, looking after my baby nephew. Although, my point is that my flow was independent of what I was doing. It even persisted throughout an 8 hour sleep and lasted for half of the next day. I could be wrong, but I believe that this is what the Toa Te Ching is about. Soon as I’ve got where I want to be in other areas of life,I’m diving straight in to that.
I grew up calling this 'the zone'. Like "I'm in the zone'. A state of extreme focus where you are performing at your peak doing whatever you're doing, focusing on just what your doing.
So interesting I clicked onto this video thinking about how skiing is when I'm truly in my peak flow more than any other time. The activity just lends it so well to that kind of mind state.