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The Positive Effect Of The Flow

Personal Effectiveness Productivity Psychology Satisfaction

About FutureEdge CFO

“True success in consulting isn’t measured by the advice given, but by the transformation achieved through collaborative execution with client”

-Natalia Meissner

I am a future-focused and strategically minded finance professional with 20+ years of experience in industrial and technology verticals. With an MBA, CPA, and PMI background, I blend intellect with a strategic, financially savvy, and sustainability-focused mindset. Known for my energetic execution, analytical thinking, and transformative approach, I deliver results. I prioritize collaboration, invest in people, and leverage financial technology for data insights and automation. I excel in diverse, multicultural contexts, promoting collaboration. I grow business value, focusing on the top and bottom line, cash flow, and resource efficiency. My solutions help when internal resources are stretched thin or an outside perspective is essential. My network of C-Level executives is ready to step in and deliver lasting impact, ensuring your business’s continued success.

Watch this short video by Steven Kotler who speaks about the State of Flow on Big Think

The State Of Flow

The state of “Flow” was first by the psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in 1975 and refers to a psychological concept that describes a state of complete immersion in a task. In this state, an individual is fully focused, energized, and engaged in the activity, leading to peak performance and enjoyment. Flow is often experienced by athletes, musicians, artists, and individuals who are highly engaged in their work.

Flow is often described as a state of kind of effortless effort. We feel like we’re propelled through the activity. Everything else just seems to disappear. Time is going to dilate, which is a fancy way of saying it’s going to pass strangely five hours, go by in like five minutes. Occasionally it’ll slow down, you get a freeze-frame effect. For anybody who’s been in a car crash, for example, intuition tends to get turned up a lot, which is a form of flow. It also may happen to a basketball player in the zone, seeing the hoop, and suddenly it’s as big as a Hulu and the muscles tend to be paralysed.

The state of flow is considered to be a positive and desirable experience, and it is widely studied in the field of positive psychology.

Why Is Immersion In A Task Important And How Does It Benefit A Person?

Immersion in a task, also known as being in the “flow” state, is important because it can bring several benefits to a person, including:

Increased productivity: When a person is fully immersed in a task, they are more focused and efficient, leading to higher levels of productivity.
Improved mood: The state of flow has been linked to feelings of happiness, joy, and satisfaction.
Enhanced creativity: Immersion in a task can foster creative thinking and lead to new insights and ideas.
Decreased stress: The state of flow can provide a sense of relaxation and stress relief.
Increased sense of control: When a person is in the flow state, they feel as if they are in control of the task, which can increase their sense of mastery and self-esteem.

Overall, immersion in a task can lead to improved well-being, increased productivity, and a more satisfying experience.

Can Business Professional Also Get In A State Of Flow?

Yes, business professionals can get in a state of flow. Flow is not limited to creative or leisure activities, but can also be experienced in work settings, including in business environments. When a business professional is fully engaged in their work, they can enter a state of flow, characterized by complete focus, high energy, and a sense of challenge and enjoyment.

For business professionals, the state of flow can lead to improved productivity, enhanced creativity, and a greater sense of satisfaction with their work. To experience flow in a business setting, it is important to find tasks that match your skills and challenge you, to minimize distractions, and to be fully present and focused in the moment. By creating an environment that promotes flow, business professionals can achieve peak performance and achieve greater success in their careers.

How To Promote The State Of Flow?

There are several strategies that can help promote the state of flow:

Find the right balance of challenge and skill: Flow is more likely to occur when the task is challenging but still within your skill level. Find tasks that stretch your abilities, but don’t cause frustration or boredom.
Minimize distractions: Create an environment that allows for focused attention, such as closing the door, turning off notifications, and avoiding interruptions.
Set clear goals and focus on the process: Clearly understanding what you want to achieve can increase focus and motivation. Focus on the process and the task at hand, rather than solely on the outcome.
Be fully present: Engage fully in the task, bring your attention to the present moment, and focus on the sensations and feelings associated with the activity.
Cultivate a growth mindset: A growth mindset, or the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, can increase the likelihood of flow experiences.
Find joy and purpose in the task: When you find meaning and enjoyment in your work, it can be easier to enter the flow state.

By implementing these strategies, you can increase the likelihood of experiencing flow and the associated benefits, such as improved well-being, increased productivity, and a greater sense of satisfaction.

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Explore FutureEdge CFO Academy

The FutureEdge CFO Academy (“aka” Blog) is our central repository for all meaningful information and content that FutureEdge CFO cares for and supports, which we package and make accessible to anyone who visits our site to facilitate creative thinking and inner reflection. We aspire to cultivate a growing body of knowledge that is uniquely our own, but is acquired externally, and we share it to promote the values we stand for, but also to help make sound decisions and take the most effective action.

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Understanding Your Business and Strategy: The Value Chain Framework

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