Menu
“It is how we choose what we do, and how we approach it, that will determine whether the sum of our days adds up to a formless blur, or to something resembling a work of art.”
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Pioneering psychologist, Best known for his work on the concept of “flow.”
“All work is an opportunity to get into the flow. Even the most basic work.”
I found myself saying these words to someone recently and from their eyes, I could see their inner sceptic was alive and well.
The flow is pretty common as a phrase now. You hear it a lot in sports and increasingly in busienss and the mainstream.
The Oxford Dictionary defines the state of flow as:
A state of being in which one becomes fully immersed and involved in an activity, often experiencing a sense of energised focus, full involvement, and enjoyment.
Flow is an optimal state of performance and experience and it’s a state that is available to anyone, not just elite athletes or high-performing leaders. Most people associate ‘flow’ or being ‘in the zone’ with certain activities or challenging activities. But in my experience it’s possible to be in flow with any activity.
When it comes to the flow, it doesn’t matter what the nature of the work may be.
What really counts is the attitude with which you approach it, just as the quote at the top of this post indicates.
Flow is enabled or disabled by your mental approach.
And here’s the really interesting thing…
It’s ENTIRELY possible to move into a flow with your work today. (Yes even if it’s a rainy, grey Monday like it is where I am in Ireland!).
I find it fascinating that three people cleaning the same toilets can have three very different experiences. One could hate it. One could just be neutral. And one could use the activity to go into flow. Exact same job but very different experiences. All because of a difference in how they are inside. And I’m pretty sure which of the three will do a better job and have a more positive impact on the people they interact with.
Maybe consider the above today and this week as you sit at your desk (or kitchen table or sales counter). Don’t even joke about “Another day, another dollar.”
You work, and you are paid for the work. But if that is all that is experienced, you will always be under paid and unfulfilled.
People in flow get better results.
People in flow experience real fulfilment.
People in flow get noticed.
Best,
Shane
Leaders Survey Report: Get The first Inside Out Business Report is available for download today. In it 5 key findings are shared including:
You can access the report by going here.
The Inner Edge Podcast: This week’s episode, Ep 177: Bringing Fear With You
Short, bite-sized nuggets of 10-12 minutes, designed to give you motivation and plenty of inspirational food for thought. Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
Up Your Game: Have you checked out my online academy? It has a range of products that will help you raise your game in all areas. More details here.
The Inner CEO: My new best-selling book is available in 4 formats – kindle, paperback, hardback and audible. Check it out here.
Inspire Your Team: I have a rage of high-impact talks, keynotes and workshops available to help you elevate the performance of your organisation. Just reply to this email if you’d like to connect anytime and discuss how we can transform your organisation.
