6 Elements that Indicate that you are in the Flow State or the Zone

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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6 Steps to Get into the Flow Zone

You've got a task that you need to complete. It's something that you want to do and it contains enough challenge to keep you engaged and on-task without feeling anxious or doubting your ability. What's the best way to get it done? Get yourself into the flow zone and you'll find that you'll complete it more quickly than you thought possible. So how do you get into the flow zone?

There are six simple steps that can get you into the flow.

Step 1: Time - make sure that you give yourself enough time to complete the task. For that you'll need the right environment.

Step 2: Environment - you will need a calm, comfortable and distraction free environment to work in. Make sure that you are wearing comfortable and suitable clothing, have been to the bathroom, had a snack and drink and that the temperature is neither too hot or too cold.

Step 3: Focus on the Process - while you are working towards an end result (goal), it is essential that you focus on the process itself. By doing this you are able to remove all expectations and restrictive thought patterns so that you can release your creativity and problem solving skills.

Step 4: Engage Your Emotions - to be in the zone you need to be alert and fully engaged because it's a positive state of being. Negative emotions will only hamper your ability to get into and remain within the flow state.

Step 5: Action - maintain a state of action and keep the momentum going forward. It's important to not stop and think as this will prevent negative emotions such as self-doubt creeping in. You need to remain in a state of immersion in the activity without any awareness of yourself or your ego.

Step 6: Practice - Practice makes perfect as the saying goes. So by practicing getting into the zone regularly you will create your own set of rituals and cues that will help you get into the flow state. Over time these will become second nature and your body will respond by entering the zone more quickly and easily.

If you want to get into the flow zone and make positive things happen then you can use the six simple steps above to help you. Regular practice will help you create a unique set of cues and rituals to make the process simpler. Achieving a more fulfilling and enriched life is yours for the taking.

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