What is Flow State and How Can I Get More Focused?

If so, you’ve probably experienced what’s commonly known as a flow state.

Flow: Definition and Neuroscience

This image, to me, represents the greatest comeback in French sports history.

Even knowing the outcome, it always feels like she’s not going to make it. A flawless 400 meters. Floria Gueï’s masterpiece.

On August 17, 2014, Floria was “in the zone.”

After the race, she described her feelings as follows: “I was just focused and clear-headed.”

“What struck me was my clarity of details. The closer I got to my opponents, the more I saw their weaknesses.”

“The zone” is another name for this mental state called flow, a term coined in 1975. American-Hungarian psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi (let’s call him MC from now on, for obvious reasons) coined the term.

Throughout his career, he studied thousands of people, including musicians, athletes, and artists, to decode moments of peak performance. A common theme: they all described these experiences as if carried by the current of a river.

Each idea, each action, each decision seemed to flow effortlessly from the previous one.

These moments are marked by an intense focus, complete engagement, and satisfaction with the activity.

Time distorts, and we lose track of it. The term “flow” is phenomenological: it describes the feeling it evokes. It’s like having a Mario Kart star power-up.

Although initially associated with artistic or athletic activities, flow isn’t limited to them.

You’ve probably experienced it at least once while working, though it requires specific conditions (we’ll come back to that later).

After years of study, MC highlighted eight factors that contribute to the flow state:

1. Complete focus on the task

2. Clear goals

3. Loss of time perception

4. Intrinsic reward

5. Effortless execution

6. Balance between challenge and skill

7. Loss of self-consciousness

8. Sense of control over the task

These factors suggest that neurological activity changes when flow kicks in.

But what actually happens in the brain?

The common intuition is that brain activity intensifies. Surprisingly, you’re not using more of your brain but actually less. This is known as transient hypofrontality (Kamoulox).

The prefrontal cortex, responsible for long-term thinking and planning, shuts down.

In exchange, the brain recovers the energy needed to focus entirely on the present. It eliminates unnecessary resources.

This explains the sense of time distortion in flow: the prefrontal cortex manages our perception of time. In neurochemistry, flow is the only state where five neurotransmitters are released simultaneously:

Norepinephrine - Dopamine - Endorphins - Serotonin - Anandamide

Each of these “Fantastic Five” plays a unique role.

Here’s a quick summary:

• Norepinephrine sharpens concentration (acquisition of new data)

• Dopamine enhances cognitive pattern recognition (data processing)

• Endorphins and serotonin help manage stress and maintain calm throughout the process

• Anandamide accelerates “lateral thinking” (helps retain new information longer and create associations)

A potent cocktail.

Flow: A Rich and Valuable Experience

According to MC and Steven Kotler, the other flow guru, this state is fundamental to human existence. Kotler defines it as the “source code” for optimal performance and well-being.

It’s a rich experience that gives meaning to your efforts. This psychological state seems to be the holy grail.

Here are some scientifically-backed benefits:

#1 - An incredible productivity boost

Studies by Steven Kotler indicate that being in flow can boost productivity by 400% to 500%.

You’re at the peak of your potential, giving your absolute best.

Flow enhances creativity, complex problem-solving abilities, and task efficiency. It’s a productive trance and a fascinating competitive advantage. You accomplish more meaningful work in less time.

#2 - A motivation boost

Flow provides intrinsic motivation and a deep sense of pleasure in the activity itself, leading to sustained engagement and a desire to continue. It’s a positive feedback loop: it generates a sense of accomplishment you’re proud of in retrospect.

#3 - Accelerated learning

Flow promotes the development of new cognitive associations, making it easier to absorb and integrate new information.

#4 - A positive emotional state

Flow brings joy and fulfillment. Being fully immersed in a stimulating and meaningful activity generates a sense of accomplishment and natural euphoria.

In short, achieving a flow state allows extraordinary levels of performance, memory, creativity, and happiness. This all sounds great, but it’s a rare Pokémon.