Science has discovered a new mental strategy for harnessing the power of flow states. what are you here , [+]
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A new study was published in personality and individual differences It explores how metacognition, which is your awareness of your own thought processes, can help you use flow situations to your advantage.
“Flow” is a state of deep concentration and absorption in an activity that is intrinsically beneficial to you. Basically, this is what we mean when we say we are “in the field”. Striking the right balance between challenge and potential, you can get so engrossed in a task that you lose all track of time.
“Flow metacognition” refers to a person’s awareness of being in a state of flow, and includes beliefs about the state and its consequences, as well as strategies to achieve and maintain it.
“Since flow is often experienced in achievement contexts – study, work, play and structured leisure – I focused my research on what we call the ‘productive side of flow,’ which is the opportunity that flow states can enhance one’s cognitive productivity. provides to enhance learning and performance in challenging contexts,” explains Giovanni Moneta, a psychologist at London Metropolitan University, one of the authors of the study.
“I wanted to understand what it is that makes some individuals remarkably able to enter and exit deep flow states depending on the requirements of the situation and apparently without much effort.”
The study showed that harnessing this powerful state of mind isn’t just about recognizing its existence or appreciating its virtues. Rather, it is about mastering specific mental strategies.
In this context, two primary flows of metacognition have emerged as important for increasing productivity:
1. Belief in the transformative power of flow
At the heart of productivity lies a profound yet simple idiosyncrasy: the unshakable belief that living in a state of flow leads to achievement.
It is not just a fleeting feeling or a momentary inspiration. Rather, it is a deep belief. Individuals simply do not focus when immersed in the flow. Instead, they experience unparalleled focus and clarity, merging with the task at hand.
This state fosters an environment where ideas not only germinate, but flourish. And tasks don’t just get done, they get done with increased efficiency and accuracy.
This experience produces concrete, often superior results, setting a high standard of performance. Understanding and embracing this belief does much more than inspire – it equips individuals with the mindset to be resilient and proactive, especially when faced with challenging situations or unexpected obstacles. is important.
2. Belief in regulating the onset of flow
Beyond belief in the effectiveness of flow lies the more subtle but equally important confidence in self-regulating this state. This metacognition is about taking control – it is not just about effortlessly experiencing flow, but about having the confidence to summon this state at will.
The real magic happens when individuals can enter, maintain and even re-enter flow after interruption, especially during demanding tasks. For example, in situations where the inherent appeal of a task may be low or the demands seem overwhelming, the ability to consciously harness flow can be a game-changer. It’s not just about waiting for the right conditions, but actively creating them.
How does this flow metacognition work in real life situations?
Consider a software developer who is tasked with debugging a particularly elusive error in a piece of code. Traditional methods have failed, and the pressure is mounting as the product release date nears. Instead of succumbing to frustration, developers look back on past experiences in which they found success while in a state of flow.
This remembrance is not just nostalgic, but acts as a catalyst. Truly believing in the transformative power of flow, the developer intentionally sets up an environment mirroring past flow states: turning off notifications, playing their favorite concentration playlist, and breaking down the problem into smaller sections. As the developer sinks into the flow, they not only point out bugs but also streamline other parts of the code further from their initial goal. This result is not just about the skill of the developer, but about a deep belief in the productivity that flow state can unlock.
Moneta offers three tips for anyone who wants to gain confidence in creating flow:
- Reflect carefully on your past flow experiences to understand what triggers flow for you. Then, try the skill of reflexivity, where you recreate situations in which those potential triggers would activate.
- Flow is only one of several mental states—such as mindfulness or awareness—that can be defined as “optimal”. And, it’s not optimal for every single situation. So, when you learn this “metaskill”, don’t force the flow. When in flow, we are less critical of our work. Therefore, the key to success is not to be in flow all the time, but to enter and exit flow repeatedly throughout the task.
- Practice the “expert craftsman approach” to problem solving. Start with an idea, partially implement it in a prototype solution, and then critically evaluate it. Once you’ve done that, immediately go back to the drawing board to refine the original idea or generate a new idea and repeat the process. Switching between thoughts and evaluations can force you to repeatedly enter and exit the flow.
The full interview with psychologist Giovanni Moneta discussing this research can be found here: Can we regain control of our ability to enter flow states?
