17 Flow State Triggers to Induce Flow
Using meditation to attain flow
So what exactly is a ‘Flow State Trigger’?
Psychological triggers
The following four strategies are internally driven, and they work by focusing our attention on the present; what’s right in front of us, or the activity we’re engaged in. For all the activities we’ve listed above to attain a Flow state, the presence of these triggers can definitely help the process along. They include:
Intense concentration – When we focus with undivided attention on a certain task. We aren’t engaging in activities with others. Like Csikszentmihalyi’s painter, we’re solo.
Goal clarity – numerous studies that we’ve already mentioned (and a whole wider range) support the idea that the goal we are working towards must be unambiguous. According to Kotler, that means the task at hand needs to be clearly delineated so our minds can stay focused on the present moment and action. Rather than wondering what the next step might be.
Immediate feedback – As Kotler says: “Clear goals tell us what we’re doing; immediate feedback tells us how to do it better”. Instant feedback also aligns our awareness and attention, as per Csikszentmihalyi’s early definitions of the nature of a Flow state.
Challenge to skills ratio – too-challenging tasks can make us feel overwhelmed, unequipped to face them, and anxious. A task that’s too simple, on the other hand, can induce boredom. To trigger flow, a goal should be halfway between these two extremes, Kotler believes.
Environmental triggers
Unlike the four psychological triggers we considered above, environmental triggers are aspects of our surroundings that help us get further into a flow state.
High consequences – Our concentration and focus are instinctively heightened when we detect a sense of danger in our environments. This is a subjective and perceived threat, for some, it could be speaking publicly or approaching another person. For the extreme athletes Kotler interviews, it may be a more immediate physical danger.
Rich environments – When we’re in new, complex, and dynamic or unpredictable environments, our focus and attention are enhanced. With regard to environmental complexity, it switches our attention on to the different information headed our way.
Deep embodiment – Here, Kotler is referring to total physical awareness, and when we discuss Flow in sports psychology in a short moment, this may make more sense. Succinctly, it relates in one way to our sense of control over our physical performance, and the link between this perceived control and goal achievement.
Social triggers
Social triggers have great importance if we are attempting to generate greater group flow. Some practical applications would include team sports, and workgroup dynamics.
Serious concentration – we aren’t solo for this type of Flow, rather we need to focus as a team on the present, to the exclusion of outside distractions.
Clear, shared goals – while similar to Kotler’s earlier mention of a clear goal as a psychological trigger, this has implications for how we communicate in groups.
Good communication – paying attention to and building on what others contribute to group discussions.
Familiarity – this relates to a collective language within the group, extending beyond verbal expression to encompass nonverbal cues, too. It’s easy to see how this can be linked closely to organizational culture in a work context.
Equal participation and skill level – in the workplace, this means different participants should have an equal part to play in the execution of a project. It’s connected to the idea that a certain challenge-skill ratio will be ideally suited to group members who are similarly equipped to handle the task.
Risk – strong parallels for this one with the ‘Rich Environments’ trigger for individuals. Kotler links this very nicely to the idea that innovation and risk go hand-in-hand.
Sense of control – without being able to link our group actions to the collective goal, there’s no spark of intrinsic motivation. Nor will we feel adequately equipped for tasks that are perceived to be too difficult.
Close listening – to what’s being said, here and now.
Always say yes – in Kotler’s words, “interactions should be additive more than argumentative”, as this both generates momentum and harbors a collaborative spirit.
Creative triggers
Creativity – Kotler unpacks this concept into pattern recognition and risk-taking. Think of how the famous apple fell on Newton’s head before he bravely proposed the concept of gravity for a good idea of what he’s discussing. Flow triggers creativity, which triggers flow, and so forth in a domino effect.
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