How Can You Tell When You Are In the Zone
“The zone” is another term for the flow state. This state of being was named by Mihly Cskszentmihlyi, a Hungarian positive psychologist. His research showed that people felt happier and more fulfilled while undertaking activities that held intrinsic value, absorbed them and provided challenge.
In his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, Cskszentmihlyi identifies certain elements that indicate you are in the zone or in the flow state.
1. Lack of Self Awareness –
There is no room for thinking about your performance or doubting your abilities. Athletes push through discomfort to achieve their goal when they’re in the flow. Their concentration is totally on the process. This holds true for any activity undertaken in the flow state. The process is all not the end goal.
2. Total Focus and Concentration –
You’ll find that you’re totally immersed in the task at hand with no room for thoughts on anything else. This is because you are enjoying the challenge that the task holds and feel motivated to complete it.
3. No Blockages –
By totally immersing yourself in the task and not thinking of anything else there will be no self-doubt, fear, stress or anxiety. While in the zone there are no negative emotions or states. All blocks to peak performance are removed. Being in the flow state is a positive, energized and beneficial state.
4. Increased Productivity –
Tasks are completed more quickly because activity flows due to your total absorption in what you are doing. There is no stopping to think about the process. You just do it and with seeming ease, as it will feel as if completion required very little extra effort.
5. Time Flies –
You’ve heard the saying, ‘Time flies when you’re having fun!’ This can be applied to being in the zone. While you are in the flow state you are not aware of the passing of time as you’re totally absorbed by what you are doing. You lose yourself in the activity.
6. Energy –
While in the flow state you’ll feel very positive and full of energy. You will be keen to complete the task and work tirelessly towards achieving that goal.
If you want to feel happier and more fulfilled, then getting yourself into the zone and working in the flow state to complete a task is definitely something you should do on a regular basis. Knowing what it feels like to be in the zone will help you understand how and why it is beneficial to you.
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