Productivity and Flow: How to Get Into the Flow State

Does it feel like you’re always running around trying to catch up, but no matter how hard you try… you just can’t?  

I know how easy it is to get distracted from priorities and how hard it is to stay focused.

To help me focus and be more productive, I get into a state of flow.

Flow is a state of mind when you’re immersed and engaged in an activity (think of being “in the zone”) when creativity peaks, focus sharpens, and you get more done.

There are many benefits to increasing productivity and flow at work. People accomplish tasks and projects faster and better; they are more motivated and excited to work and more creative and collaborative.

So how do you get in the flow? 

Just like mindfulness, it can be hard at the start. But with practice, it’ll be easier to enter flow quicker and quicker. 

Here are three simple, yet highly effective steps to gain awareness of your flow state and what you can do to tap into it more often: 

Step 1: Choose the right tasks

When choosing a task, try to strike a balance between skill and challenge so that it is just at the edge of what you’re able to do. When you feel the right amount of challenge in the task at hand, it’ll be much easier for your brain to go into a flow state. 

Is the work too challenging, but you need to do it anyway? Break the task down into smaller chunks to make it doable and less overwhelming. 

Step 2: Develop a flow state routine

Try developing a routine to prepare your brain to dive into the flow state. When you have a routine, your brain is trained to get to work once completed. 

Try starting your routine with a cup of coffee and a newspaper, or maybe a cup of tea and your planner. Whatever you choose, make sure it's a routine you can keep up with. 

Step 3: Eliminate all distractions

Laser-sharp focus is one of the biggest triggers of productivity flow, and multi-tasking is the quickest killer. The easiest way to reach flow state is by flushing out ALL external distractions. 

You’re more likely to sustain your focus and dip into the flow state if you remove distractions for around 20 minutes straight. So snooze notifications, silence your phone, and block tempting sites like email and social media.

What are some tips and tricks you use to get in the flow?