I recently listened to Grit by Angela Duckworth and got inspired to write this article. Since I noticed a lot of resemblance with the things I write about on this blog. In this article, I want to discuss the flow state. How do you get into this state? Is it possible to train for it? The short answer is: Yes, you can train for it. Which I will later refer to as practice

What do I refer to as practice?

I want to define what I mean by practice. When you are practicing, it has to be above your skill level. It has to be more challenging than the amount of skill you attained for it. It requires discipline because it has to be done consistently. Practicing is perceived as hard and challenging. It’s a sacrifice.

Like I mentioned in this article: The secret to success.. You have to fall in love with the process and embrace it. Practicing is the process. It is repetitive, and it has to be targeted and deliberate. It contributes to your higher goals. It is the path of most resistance, which is the only growth path. Read more here about why it is important to take the path of most resistance: The path of most resistance..

What is the Flow state?

In short, it is the result of practice. It means the activity you are engaging in is exactly in line with the skill you developed. You are in a complete state of balance. Flow state is perceived as very pleasant, easy-going, almost as being high. You are in the moment, in the now executing your calling. You lose track of time. These are more obvious examples of performing in a flow state:

• Athletes
• Artist

How do I get into a flow state?

As mentioned earlier in this article, the key to getting into a flow state is targeted and deliberate practices. It is a hard requirement: Without practice, there is no flow state.

The more you practice, the bigger your skill capacity increases to perceive a flow state. When you practice, it has to be deliberate, targeted, and beyond your current skill level. It needs to be a stretch.

As this increases, you subconsciously take more responsibility. You can handle more and more things when you are in a flow state.

When times get hard, you will still perform because of all the practice you put in. You are still able to get into a flow state. Your subconscious is decoupled from your emotions. Which makes you very powerful

Conclusion

The ability to stay practicing is just a small part of grit, but a part that resonated with me. Because it is something, I tend to live by.

The experience of being in a flow state is great and worth the practice and the sacrifices:

• No pain, no gain
• No guts, no glory
• etc.

These are all in place here. If you want to experience the ultimate balance and live in the moment, sacrifices are required. There are no shortcuts to the path of most resistance. If I got you interested in the topic of Grit, I strongly recommend reading the book: Grit by Angela Duckworth.