Flow State

There are a few extra conditions to enter this optimal experience of Flow. First, it should stretch your abilities, but not too much (Sutton, 2025). In other words, it should challenge you just enough that you keep going, but not too hard where you want to give up. There should be some sort of goal that’s reachable, specific, and detailed (Sutton, 2025). Do you want to finish a drawing? Make 100 basketball free throws? Can you measure the progress of the goal (Sutton, 2025)?

Another condition is that “concentration should be focused and intense” and must also have “immediate feedback” (Sutton, 2025). Having feedback or seeing progress can help us remain focused. Also, feeling in control of our actions is important for us to continue the task that isn’t too challenging (Heard, 2015). And it’s important that time feels distorted, as part of the definition of flow (Sutton, 2025). In flow, it was mentioned that overall you forget yourself and your sense of time (Heard, 2015). The act must be spontaneous and effortless (Heard, 2015).

Did you know it’s possible to experience flow while working or studying (Beard, 2015). Mihály Csíkszentmihályi found that students actually experience flow when taking tests (Beard, 2015). Have you ever had a project that you worked on for hours not because it was a required task, but because you simply enjoyed doing it?

Finding your own state of flow can be a journey, but worth it when you reach the destination. It can be  a peaceful and wonderful learning opportunity for your brain.

Beard, K. (2015). Theoretically speaking: an interview with mihaly csikszentmilhalyi on flow theory development and its usefulness in addressing contemporary challenges in education. Educational Psychology Review 27(2). https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=AONE&u=orla57816&id=GALE%7CA713722089&v=2.1&it=r&aty=shibboleth

Sutton, J. (2025). Mihaly csikszentmilhalyi: the father of flow. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology.com/mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-father-of-flow/