Notes on Flow State Presentation by Rhian Dorris

Introduction

• Speaker: Rhian Dorris, CEO of Flow Research Collective
• Discussed how to access flow state for increased productivity.
• The four pillars of flow are essential for achieving this.

What is Flow?

• Flow is a state of consciousness that makes work effortless.
• Common experiences of flow:
  • Riding a bike
  • Surfing
  • Creating music or art
  • Working on significant projects
• Historical figures like Alex Honnold, Marie Curie, and Einstein achieved great things in flow.

Importance of Flow

• Over 10,000 research papers on flow show its neurophysiological benefits:
  • Increases learning, creativity, and productivity.
• Flow can solve productivity problems but is often inaccessible without training.

The Four Pillars of Flow

1. Flow Blockers

   • Common distractions and obstacles that hinder entering flow state.
   • Example: Checking your phone first thing in the morning exposes you to distractions.
   • Solution: "Flow before Phone" - prioritize 2-3 hours of deep work before engaging with devices.

2. Flow Proneness

   • Your inherent ability to enter flow.
   • Increase flow proneness by starting tasks within 90 seconds of waking up.
   • Morning brain waves are similar to flow brain waves, making it an ideal time for productivity.

3. Flow Triggers

   • Preconditions that help trigger flow.
   • Identified by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and further researched by Stephen Kotler.
   • Key triggers:
     • Clear goals
     • Immediate feedback
     • Challenge-skills balance
   • Apply these to work tasks by adjusting difficulty to about 4% above current skill level.

4. Flow Cycle

   • Describes the progression into and out of flow states.
   • Stages:
     • Struggle: Initial discomfort when starting a task, often leads to avoidance.
     • Release: Persistence through struggle leads to focus and flow.
     • Flow: State of optimal performance and instinctive decision-making.
     • Recovery: After flow, the body replenishes neurochemistry and integrates new skills.

Conclusion

• Understanding and applying the four pillars can lead to consistent productivity and high achievement.
• Focus on actionable steps to harness flow for success in the 21st century.