That Magical Feeling...

Karen and Jay share thoughts on the wonderful experience of finding yourself in ‘flow.’

There are those times when everything starts to flow.  You’re living in the moment.  Complete concentration.  Effortless – moving forward with grace, ease, and fluidity.  Your mind is clear and focused – supremely confident.  You are in flow.  Nothing can stop you.

 

Getting into a state of flow is like unlocking a hidden dimension of productivity and creativity. Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow refers to the immersive and optimal experience of being fully absorbed in an activity, to the point where time seems to stand still. To achieve flow, one must find a delicate balance between challenge and skill, entering a state where the task at hand is neither too difficult nor too easy. It is a state of heightened focus, where distractions fade away, and the individual becomes one with the task.


Take the example of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Jobs was known for his intense focus and ability to immerse himself completely in his work. During the development of groundbreaking products, like the iPhone, Jobs would reportedly enter a state of deep concentration, blocking out all external stimuli. Similarly, athletes often experience flow during peak performance moments. Michael Jordan, the basketball legend, was known for entering a state of flow during crucial moments in games. His seemingly effortless and flawless execution on the court exemplified being in a state of flow.


Or, consider the experience of surgeon Atul Gawande, who wrote about the concept of flow in his book "Being Mortal." Gawande described how, during intricate surgical procedures, he would become so absorbed in the task that the outside world faded away. The surgical field became his entire universe, and his movements flowed seamlessly, driven by a combination of skill, focus, and passion.


In essence, the state of flow is a testament to the human capacity for focus, skill development, and the joy of being fully engaged in a meaningful activity. It is a state that many aspire to achieve, as it holds the promise of unlocking untapped potential and delivering a sense of fulfillment that transcends the ordinary.  I urge you to take some time this week – let yourself relax, and see if you can ease yourself into ‘flow.’  It’s a magical and wonderful place to be!

Read The Report

"It's All About Flow”

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Positive Profile of the Week: Bailey Zappe - Getting into Flow!

This week we are delighted to highlight an athlete who seems to be finding a state of flow – New England Patriots quarterback - Bailey Zappe. 


Coming into a tough spot this past week, replacing previous starter Mac Jones, Zappe led the Patriots to an impressive victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.  And, in so doing, Zappe seemed to be executing with an effortless grace – showing maturity and poise beyond his relatively young age (24) and his extremely limited professional experience.


We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and make any predictions about his future, but it was certainly fun – and quite gratifying – to see a young quarterback find his stride.  And, if you have an opportunity to watch some of the highlights from his recent performance – which by the way you can do by clicking right here:   https://www.patriots.com/video/bailey-zappe-s-best-plays-from-win-over-the-steelers, you’ll definitely be watching an athlete in flow. 


Zappe's recent success reflects his increasing confidence and mastery of the Patriots' offensive strategy.  He has not only demonstrated exceptional skills on the field but has also emerged as a leader and a diligent student of the game.

Beyond statistics, Zappe brings an intangible quality to the team – a contagious energy and leadership that fosters unity and purpose. His measured confidence, born out of a deep understanding of the game, has become a guiding force for the Patriots, especially in shaping the direction of a young team.


Zappe's journey with the Patriots continues this week as the Kansas City Chiefs will be arriving in Foxboro for a game on Sunday afternoon.  And, of course, we will be rooting for this young man to once again get into flow – and execute with a confidence and grace – ultimately leading to success!   Good luck, Bailey Zappe!


Quote of the Week

"Flow is the secret to unlocking creativity and achieving unparalleled productivity. It's the elixir that turns the ordinary into the extraordinary."

-Tony Robbins

Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us

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