>>>Flow Town vs Struggle Street
Hi there
Do you know that you have at your disposal the most powerful resource to amplify your success, professionally and personally?
It’s your secret weapon, your superpower. It’s something you can learn to tap into in order to not only create incredible work, but enjoy the work so much that you lose complete track of time and place. What is this superpower I speak of?
It’s flow.
Intrigued? Excited? You should be!
Have you ever watched a child at play? They are completely immersed in what they’re doing, be it building a sandcastle, constructing lego or creating a wonderful arts and craft masterpiece.
They’re not multi-tasking, they’re not checking their social media, and they’re certainly not unstacking the dishwasher and folding laundry while they’re playing. They simply focus on the task at hand and while it might be challenging at times, they persevere and they are thoroughly happy.
Flow is a concept defined by positive psychology. I like to think of it as working in your zone of genius. I say ‘your’ because what constitutes flow for you is different for me. It’s a reflection of your unique passions, thoughts, ideas and discoveries.
When working in flow or in your zone of genius you may find yourself lost in your work, of being consumed, focused and immersed in what you’re doing. You may find that time just slips away and as you share your skills and knowledge through your work it just feels right. It’s almost a gut thing as you sit within yourself, content, engaged, enthused and in control.
When working in a state of flow, productivity skyrockets, which makes it a secret weapon to transform your business. Being in flow is the direct opposite of the feeling of overwhelm and multi-tasking simply isn’t an option. It’s about achieving but not necessarily being busy. I’m talking quality, deep work which may involve 30 minutes of staring out the window as your thoughts percolate. Through this sense of losing yourself in your work, it’s almost an accident to discover that you’re happy! Your stress levels decrease and your endorphins kick in.
How fabulous would it be to be able to turn on flow with just a snap of your fingers? Well, I can’t promise it’s as simple as that, but I do have some tips and tricks to share to help you get in your zone of genius.
First of all - switch off distractions.
Deep work can’t happen when you’re constantly being metaphorically poked and prodded by your phone notifications. Either put it on airplane mode and face down on your desk, or even better, put it in another room. Every time you stop work to read a notification you lose your focus and eliminate your flow. Research shows it can take up to 25 minutes to regain that attention. Imagine that - what you could do with 25 minutes?
If you’re working in an environment that you can’t control such as a cafe or a co-working space invest in some good quality noise cancelling headphones. That said, I have clients who find the white noise of a public space motivating, but I think the key is to choose a venue where you don’t know anyone so you’re less likely to be interrupted or be drawn into conversation.
Studies have shown a distinct link between people who meditate and journal regularly and ease of entering flow. Obviously, to get in a state of flow involves being in the right mindset, so meditating would certainly aid that. Try a five minute meditation before your scheduled deep work time (which of course, you have scheduled as part of your time management) as a trigger to your brain that it’s time to focus. A client has an essential oil mix she uses in a diffuser to get her in the right mental space for flow.
Another way to support working in your zone of genius to fuel yourself properly. Get good nutrition into your daily routine, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. The opposite of focus is vagueness. Your grandmother was right - if you feel a bit foggy, have a glass of water. Ideally, drink before you feel thirsty, and try a slice of lemon in your water bottle because citrus is a natural focus enhancer.
Another way to enhance your state of flow is to choose work that’s going to drive your business and meet your why. This type of work is what lights you up. It’s not going to be answering emails or reconciling your bookkeeping software. Rather, it will be plotting out a new program or researching and designing a new way to deliver your services.
Working in flow doesn’t just happen. You don’t suddenly just find yourself in flow - or at least it shouldn’t! As a solopreneur I encourage you to actively plan for it without relying on something as flighty as a muse. Of course, it’s hard to find the opportunities for deep work in your zone of genius when you’re feeling stretched or overwhelmed or lacking in clarity.
That’s where I come in - as a holistic business coach I have the perspective that you possibly don’t to help you focus on the work that will drive your business rather than fill your day. Please reach out if this sounds like you.
To your success…
