Happy Wednesday, {{first_name}}!
I've been pondering something this week - Flow.
No, I don’t mean “going with the flow”, like you’re being dragged around without any choice in the matter. I'm talking about what psychologists call "FLOW STATE".
What is Flow state? It's that mode you enter when you're totally engulfed in something, your creativity runs at an all time high, and your confidence soars. Have you felt that before? It’s like nothing can hinder you as your mind works with superhuman speed in hyper-Focused ability and your productivity is insane!
To quote gamers- you’re totally “locked-in”.
To use a phrase from sports, you're "in the zone".
Flow state is not just reserved for elite athletes who have the ball in their hands as the clock winds down or talented musicians writing a hit single. It’s accessible to any one of us. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY!
Here are some tips ->
Induce Flow State
- Uninterrupted time (ideally right before or after sleep).
- Meditation. Box breathing, gratitude, cold plunge, and sauna (or showers).
- Worship, prayer, and temple attendance.
- Journaling.
- Diligence in other areas of life so your mind is free from the to-do list.
(Bonus tip: Have you tried using the “send later” feature in your messaging app? Game changer for focused time)
Flow State KILLERS
- Multitasking
- Anxiety about the future/Depression about the past.
- Constant screens, cell phones, emails, notifications.
- Over stimulation (visual, audio, or even olfactory).
- Hunger OR incessant snacking.
- Other people, other responsibilities.
- Urgency.
What does Flow look like in Faith, Family, Fitness, Finances, and Fun?
Faith: Can you create space for a Flow state during prayer? A time when you’re completely present with God and revelation comes? Or could Flow happen as you study the word of God with ‘real intent’ and a ‘sincere heart’?
Expect miracles and you create unprecedented space for God.
Family: This last week I (Jared) experienced a rare Flow moment with my young family. We were all playing in the pool together and time slowed. I forgot about everything else and, for 20 minutes, became a kid again playing with my kids. The sun, the water, the laughter, everything was more meaningful…and JOYFUL!
When and how will your next Flow moment come with family?
Fitness: The concept of Flow seems to marry so well with our fitness - an intense workout, meditative exercises, a competitive sport when you’re set on winning. What physical activities and settings would increase the benefits of Flow to your routine?
Finance: If Flow state catalyzes your Finance journey, YOU WILL be breaking through plateaus and reaching goals! How would your new business venture change if you spent just 1 hour of hyper-focused, productive time on it every day?
Talk about cash FLOW! ;)
Fun: Flow comes naturally as you engage in something you truly LOVE doing. Make time for FUN! Flow through fun ENHANCES flow in the other areas!
I (Justin) find that my Flow state comes most naturally in the morning before everyone else is up along with the rest of my responsibilities. My morning routine is CRITICAL! Some days the shower just extends my flow state a little longer and often generates my best ideas. I legit need some note taking material for right out of the shower, lol. On the other hand, I (Jared) often find Flow after kids go to bed and I can have uninterrupted time to lock in on my education/business pursuits before my bedtime.
Flow state is different for everyone, but the general rules and best practices still apply. Set aside time, eliminate distractions, and create!
It's worth the practice and will help you make MASSIVE growth in the Foundational 5 principles. Give these ideas a try! We want to hear about your experience with Flow! What's working for you? Anything we didn’t list that is totally working?! We’re excited to hear about your F5 wins from Flow state.
Let’s lock in!
Justin & Jared
