We are all superstars.
There was a time, I didn’t know anything about ‘the Flow’. That was before… Before I realized that this amazing thing can transcend every human in a switch. Before I knew that anybody can learn to channel it for real.
We just need to embrace it.
Ask you that question: What are the activities you do when you loose track of time? What are you focused on when you can think « nothing else matter »?
Those questions were asked by my coach Luciana in my « new year preparation ». At first, simple answers came to my mind. I love to cook, it makes me feel balanced and I don’t count time (as long as my stomach is not craving). But the Flow doesn’t really appear when I cook. It’s more than that.
Few days after I was asked those questions for the 1st time, this article came into my feed and I discovered the most interesting definition of Flow:
You’ve likely heard of flow before. It’s the concept of extreme focus where time seems to slow down that lets normal human beings achieve superhuman abilities. It’s the Michael Jordan in Game 7 stuff, for instance. A science journalist named Steven Kotler wrote a book called The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance and in this episode of The Art of Manliness podcast from 3 years back, the conversation explores how others have achieved flow not just for superhuman feats but also to save their own lives. It describes how you too can achieve an optimal state of Flow.
Did you have the curiosity to click on the podcast link?
This author and researcher was very sick, barely able to move, until one day he was put on a surfboard on a spot where the waves are gigantic. He felt that unique sensation, an adrenaline rush that brought him back to life. Literally.
Now I understand that the Flow is that moment when pure magic happens. It’s an intense focus that allows anyone to become a superstar and to make magical actions.
Imagine what we could accomplish if we could master it.
How do we trigger the flow?
1st step: Remember your Flow moments
Imagine yourself in a grateful moment where only the right things happen. Imagine a bubble of peace where you are doing your most enjoyable activity. What would that be? Where could that be? How did you feel at the end?
In reverse, to find your best moments, you could also focus on your worst moments. When and where did you feel sad? What activity took you more time than you thought? What consumed your energy more than expected?
It took me a lot of time before finding my « waouh moments » and the conditions that led to them. At first, I just found out where was my favorite place. It was at my mom’s, drinking a cup of tea at the table listening to the wind in the leaves. Was I working, reading, talking? It didn’t matter, it was my moment. I realized that I made a lot of radical decisions in this place and it was always good ones. I tried to recreate this state of mind everywhere just by focusing on my feelings at this right moment.
2nd step: Declutter your mind
In order to let the Flow in, you will need to identify all the fears that are preventing you from it. Observe your inner fears and express them with words (you can write them down or say them out loud). Find the mechanics that let your fears stopping you.
« That’s not finished yet. » « I’m not ready. » « I’m not that good, I’ll need more time. » All were my excuses for not doing anything. And one day, I realized that life is too short to find excuses. All of the best soul in the world never waited for the right moment to do something, they just did. My biggest fear is the judgement of other people about my work. Specially for my writings. And you know what. It was a big mistake. There is lot of kindness in my readers. I hope that will last (oh another fear to break).
3rd step: Create your trigger
When you’ll know in what kind of moments your feel safe, and when you’ll know how to defeat all your fears (even for an hour), you’ll be ready to channel your Flow. The most efficient way to trigger your Flow is to create a routine that lead you to that moment of self-enhancement and extreme focus.
For me, it was a cup of tea (or juice, or sparkling water), silence, no smartphone and a goal. I forget all the world around me and I focus on my inside world of words.
How do you feel now? Ready to try something new?
It’s your time to create your trigger by finding your moments, give away your fears and find a routine to make you get into it.
The Flow is your own way of doing incredible things with the unique power of your mind.
Take care
Photo by Bahaa A. Shawqi from Pexels