Comments on: What is Flow?

By: 8 Reasons to Slow Down | Happenchance

8 Reasons to Slow Down | Happenchance — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:43:13 +0000

[...] Flow requires low stress. By rushing, we create stress that is counter-productive to a state of conscious [...]

By: The Power of a Routine | Happenchance

The Power of a Routine | Happenchance — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:58:18 +0000

[...] As long as your challenges increase with your skill, you’re creating conditions for more regular Flow experiences. [...]

By: The Importance of Active Leisure | Happenchance

The Importance of Active Leisure | Happenchance — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:55:47 +0000

[...] last week’s article on Flow, I began thinking about the times and places where people find Flow. Besides work, people were most [...]

By: JA Lineberry

JA Lineberry — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 04:08:22 +0000

Seth: This may your finest post yet!

I wanted to add something to the $35k vs. $300k income range and happiness. I think another important factor is how many hours you’re working – 20, 40, 60? – to achieve an income of $35k. Having time set aside to pursue activities that you enjoy is very important. Of course, if your favorite hobby and occupation happen to be the same, you have the best of both worlds. I guess I’m stating the obvious, here.

I think I’ve probably experienced Flow from a variety of activities – everything from writing to running an oven in a pizza restaurant during the rush.

By: Rita Jarolen

Rita Jarolen — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:26:37 +0000

SETH~ Your article is amazing, logical and creative! I have read numerous books on Positive Thinking. For me, Csikszentmihalyi’s
book “The Psychology of Optimum Experience” puts a new spin on
this concept.

I have always loved music (progressive or classic progressive or classic rock/jazz/contemporary standards and poetry. I sing and I write for my own satisfaction.

I see flow as a deliberate desire to connect to our inner energy
via the medium(s) of our choice. Being in our element or in our zone
is critical to the success of this process and of our desires.

I’m reading your articles for often for personal enrichment.

Can’t wait to read the next one! ~RITA

By: Denny McCorkle

Denny McCorkle — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 03:15:55 +0000

Seth,

Thanks for this reminder. Mihaly’s book is one of my favorites. @TweetRightBrain

By: Jedrzej

Jedrzej — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 15:28:19 +0000

Nice article, Seth! I’ve started reading more about flow recently and it really is a great and powerful state. I noticed that I get into the flow far more often when I work on my own terms, without distractions and alone.

I also found that music increases my chances of getting into this productive state of mind. I often listen to classical music, ambience or minimalism.

I’ve seen the chart in other form in a game design book, it’s great. I guess one of the keys to getting into the flow is to set increasingly bigger goals as we improve our skills.

By: Seth

Seth — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 11:19:06 +0000

Hey Hugh,
Thanks for reading. I did the same thing and found that I could make some activities, the ones that fall on the boredom and apathy end, more interesting. Sometimes I’ll just do them differently, other times I’ll set a time goal. This usually doesn’t work, but a couple times it has. Maybe with more practice…It’s always interesting to find flow in places we don’t expect it.

Also, the chart is lovely, and I wish I could take credit for it, but that goes to the wikipedia user Dr. Enh…whoever he or she is.

By: Hugh

Hugh — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:38:39 +0000

I have been intrigued with the concept of flow since first reading about it in Jonathan Fields’ book about a year ago. Great info in your post here, but as always, a picture is worth a thousand words. Your colorful chart is great – I just looked at it and applied different things I do in my life to it. One of my huge ongoing goals is to do more things (I have specifics) that get me to the state of flow. I’ll check out some of these resources. Thanks.

By: Tweets that mention What is Flow? | Happenchance -- Topsy.com

Tweets that mention What is Flow? | Happenchance -- Topsy.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 07:02:48 +0000

[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by sethmbaker, Andrew Jakubowski. Andrew Jakubowski said: RT @chrisguillebeau: What is Flow? good post about a good subject — http://bit.ly/8JIKVt (via @sethmbaker) [...]