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Get in the Flow
18-Mar-2010
One of the key ingredients for a happy and successful life is to experience the
state of “flow” as frequently as we can. “Flow” is the
mental state in which you become fully immersed in what you are doing with a
feeling of energized focus and full involvement. Other terms used to
describe this state include: “in the zone”, “in the groove”.
Here are some tips to help you achieve “flow” more often - inspired by a blog from
Clarion Enterprises:
Play to your strengths
Spend more time doing the things you love doing. The things that energize
you. The things you are naturally talented at. Reduce the
percentage of time you spend doing things that drain you. If you are not
sure what these are - behavioral profiling tools like Extended DISC can provide
real insights.
Learn from the experts
The way you are trying to do something may not be the most effective or
efficient way to accomplish a task. Rather than fumble along, learn the
right success habits and disciplines from the very beginning that will enable
you to achieve a state of "flow" that much faster.
Prioritize
Beware the trap of constantly getting drawn back to “working in” the business –
reacting to the day to day “business as usual” tasks. Identify your #1
action priority for the week and your #1 action priority for each day. If
you could only get 1 thing done, what is the most important thing you can do
that will move your area of the business forward and help you achieve the
strategic action priorities you are accountable for?
Multitasking is a myth
Don’t kid yourself. The “always on” aspect of smartphones and modern
technology stops you from achieving a state of "flow". Several
studies prove that interruptions are detrimental to performance. “Open
door management” should not mean the door is always open. Turn off the
email alerts on your computer monitor, turn off your smartphone, shut your
office door, and devote meaningful chunks of undisturbed time to work on your
top priorities. For tips on managing your time click here.
Reduce stress
Anger, fear, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed - all prevent you from
experiencing "flow". Stress is also detrimental to your
health. For tips on how to reduce stress click here.
Cultivate mastery
The five keys to mastery: 1. Do what you are love doing. 2. Practice,
Practice, Practice. 3. Learn from the experts: Don’t practice the
wrong way. 4. Visualize achieving a positive outcome. 5. Push yourself to
go a little bit further than you have gone before.
Help others achieve
"flow"
Help your people to increase the percentage of time they spend performing tasks
they enjoy and are naturally talented at. Set clear priorities – and give
them the freedom to deliver in their own style. Don’t overwhelm them with
too many demands. Be organized yourself – don’t keep them in a state of
constant crisis by throwing things at them in the last minute. Don’t keep
interrupting them – schedule regular appointments with them for progress
reports. Give regular coaching feedback to help them improve.
Celebrate small wins
Set milestones and celebrate all the small accomplishments along the way. In
this video,
Tom Peters explains how "milestones matter" for energizing yourself
and others.
Stephen Lynch
Chief Operating Officer - Global Operations
RESULTS.com
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