Learn to get to the state of flow

The flow experience is one of the greatest things any one of us will ever experience. By recognizing these states of flow, you can tap into areas of focus, motivation, and energy that are highly rewarding, productive, and creative.

1. Eliminate distractions.
   To find a flow state, you must eliminate all distractions. It can take up to 20 minutes to reconnect with what you are doing if you’re interrupted.

2. Give yourself enough time.
   Set aside a block of time to work on your task. It can take about 15 minutes to hit your flow state, and you don’t really hit your peak until 45 minutes. Give yourself at least 90 minutes, but ideally up to full two hours.

3. Do something you love.
   It’s easiest to find yourself in a flow state, and experience that feeling of connection, if you are doing something that matters to you a great deal.

4. Have clear goals.
   One of the largest blocks to flow is lack of clarity. If you don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish, it will prevent you from reaching flow. Give yourself a clear purpose for how you are going to use your 90 minutes–2 hours.

5. Challenge yourself… a little.
   You are most likely to experience flow if you’re doing something that is a little bit of a challenge. Pick something that is outside your comfort zone, but not way outside of it.