Have you ever wondered how people are able to stay focused on things with seemingly little effort? Athletes have this focus every time they are on the field. It’s an unbreakable focus, something in which seems almost superhuman. With this incredible focus: Michael Jordan dunked from the free throw line, Tom Brady won 7 Super Bowls, and Cristiano Ronaldo has scored over 800 goals. Some call this enhanced state of focus “the zone”, while others call it “the flow state“.

What Is The Flow State & Why Is It Important?

Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi made the concept of “flow“. The state of flow is defined as the psychological state of optimal performance, or moments in which you are fully immersed into an activity. It’s very important for people to activate this state of flow when necessary. We have too many distractions already in the 21st century; focus is more important now than ever.

When you are able to enter into a flow state, you have 100% of your attention and brainpower to complete the task. That level of focus makes you enjoy what you’re doing much more than half-assing it. Not only will you enjoy it, but you will do it at your greatest capacity; which in turn, will give you the best results. Csikszentmihalyi said that “the best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times.. the best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile“.

You can look at the flow state as an active meditation. You have full concentration on the subject at hand to the point where your mind is clear. You will reach a level of fulfillment from the flow state that would be unachievable otherwise. All you have to do to reach this exciting state of flow is to completely focus all of your attention (on whatever) and engage completely (on whatever). You might not achieve this on your first try, it will take practice. Although, when you do eventually get it, it will change your life.