Have you ever found yourself so immersed in a task that you completely lose track of time?
You look up from your task to discover that hours have passed in what seems like just a matter of moments.
Your focus was so intense that the world around you faded away and all that mattered was the task in front of you.
And you absolutely crushed the task you were working on.
Because you were so focused:
- Your productivity skyrocketed. You were focused on one thing and only one thing for a long period of time. Because your focus was so intense, you made massive progress on that task – much more than you would normally make. Nothing took you away from what you were working on.
- Your concentration increased. Normally you find yourself distracted when you’re trying to work on a particular task, but not this time. You were so “in the zone” that absolutely nothing could distract you. Your focus was at an all-time high. It seemed like every part of your brain was fixed on the job in front of you.
- Your enjoyment of the task went through the roof. Because you were so immersed in and focused on your task, your enjoyment of your work went up significantly. You weren’t thinking about the things you would rather be doing. You weren’t worried about the things that normally worry you. Rather, you were 100% laser-focused on what was right in front of you.
How often do you experience what I just described? My guess would be not very often. Most of us find ourselves extremely distracted when we try to do our work.
Our brains feel like they’re scattered in a thousand different places.
Just getting any work done requires a significant amount of effort. There are so many interruptions. So many distractions. So many things that take you off the task you’re trying to make progress on.
It’s almost as if the world is designed to distract us from working on what really matters most.
- Our productivity is low.
- Our concentration is scattered all over the place.
- Our satisfaction with our tasks is minimal.
- We don’t live up to our full potential.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
What would you say if I told you that you could reach this state of heightened focus, increased concentration, increased productivity, and overall happiness on a regular basis?
What if I told you that massive increases in productivity, concentration, and happiness are not only possible but easily within your reach?
It’s true. Even in today’s noisy, crowded, seemingly overwhelming workplace, you can get into a highly focused, highly productive state.
If you want to achieve maximum productivity, you must understand “flow state.” It’s what sets the highest achievers apart from everyone else. Flow state allows a person to become a world-class performer in any area.
It can enable you to be hugely productive even in the midst of endless distractions.
Here are 5 steps for achieving flow state.
Step #1: Choose A Challenging Task
Flow state happens when you’re applying yourself to a worthy, challenging task.
Guiding questions to help you pick your task:
- What is my most important task right now?
- What one thing would make everything else in my life easier?
- What would make the most difference for me personally or professionally?
Step #2: Set A Timeline And A Goal
Setting boundaries forces you to concentrate very quickly so that you don’t waste time.
Here’s how to set a goal and timeline:
- Break your task up into small deliverables.
- Give yourself one hour to complete the first deliverable of your goal.
- During that hour, focus intensely on completing your goal.
Step #3: Cut Out All Distractions
Flow happens when you become immersed in one thing that all other things fade away.
Here are common distractions to consider:
- Remove physical distractions–close your door, put on headphones, check your pets.
- Remove electronic distractions–turn off notifications, close computer tabs.
- Stop multitasking–it robs your brain of energy that can be devoted to your goal.
Step #4: Strengthen Your Concentration
If your concentration is wandering after a few minutes, you may need to build your concentration “muscles”.
Here are ways to stretch your concentration:
- Monitor your emotional state: hungry, thirsty, angry?–make sure your needs are met.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Schedule short breaks.
Step 5: Create a Flow State Ritual
A repeatable series of actions is an indicator to your body and brain that something important is about to happen.
Here’s my flow ritual:
- Take 10 deep, cleansing breaths.
- Say a brief productivity affirmation.
- Eliminate electronic and physical distractions.
- Turn on my favorite music.
- Set a timer for 60 minutes.
- Begin!
Intrigued by this subject?
Here is my recommended reading list.
TL; DR
Achieving a state of intense focus, known as “flow state,” significantly boosts productivity and satisfaction with tasks. To get there, choose a challenging task, set specific goals and timelines, eliminate distractions, and establish a ritual to signal your brain it’s time to focus. To get there consistently and on-demand, regularly practice your rituals and expect to build your concentration over time.