Multitasking is often the result of our relentless pursuit of productivity. Even though multitasking may seem efficient to complete our to-do lists, it usually leads to disorganization and overwhelm. What’s more, Focusing on a single task while juggling work emails, responding to text messages, and cooking dinner is incredibly exhausting.
Using the F.L.O.W. model as a framework to reach optimal performance, this blog post explores the complexities of productivity and the limitations of multitasking. Further, the F.L.O.W. state can help you become more productive by revealing the science behind it.
You’re completely absorbed and immersed in an activity when you’re in flow. If you and your team are totally “in the zone” during work, you may have experienced something similar to this feeling.
Although flow theory suggests that it’s not just spontaneous, it can also be actively created. This can be used for time management, project management, teamwork, and a host of other things.
In 1975, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi coined the term flow to describe artists who become so immersed in their work that they ignore, or simply ignore, the need for food, drink, and sleep.
Csikszentmihalyi suggested, in a 2004 TED talk, that flow provides an “optimal experience” of whatever task is being undertaken, leading to greater satisfaction. As a part of positive psychology, it is a state of mind that positively impacts an individual’s entire well-being.
Despite the misconceptions, our brains are designed to focus on one task at a time. As a result of multitasking, our brains are forced to switch contexts rapidly, creating a context-switching cost. As a result of this constant switching, we are disrupted in our cognitive flow, leading to:
“The more we multitask, the less we actually accomplish because we slowly lose our ability to focus enough to learn,” explains neuropsychologist Cynthia Kubu, PhD. “If we’re constantly attempting to multitask, we don’t practice tuning out the rest of the word to engage in deeper processing and learning.”
We should embrace the F.L.O.W. model rather than giving in to the illusion of multitasking. Our idea was inspired by Csikszentmihalyi’s work.
F.L.O.W. stands for Focus, Learning, Ownership, and Worthwhile. To cultivate deep focus and optimal productivity, we should incorporate the following principles into our work routine:
As with most things, achieving the flow state of mind takes time. It takes a while to settle into a task and then a little more time to tap into it. As such, make sure nothing gets in the way of that.
If necessary, set aside a block of time, or use time management techniques like Pomodoro to ensure your attention is on the task at hand. Besides stashing your phone, you’ll want to silence notifications and steer clear of anything that has the potential to distract you.
Flow requires continual challenges and information seeking since it indicates mastery of a particular skill.
Therefore, adopt a growth mindset. Instead of simply checking tasks off a list, approach them with a desire to learn and improve. Engaging intrinsic motivation fuels flow state and fuels engagement.
Working on a task with a specific, finite outcome is part of getting into a flow state. When you know exactly what you’re working on, it will be easier for you to achieve the right mindset.
Even though you could set a time goal, having a clear end or completion point is often more effective. You also feel more in control when you know what you want to accomplish.
Simply put, take ownership of your work. Establish clear goals, be proactive, and take responsibility for your actions. In addition to fostering a deeper sense of responsibility, it increases motivation and productivity.
Make your work meaningful and challenging. In other words, connect your tasks with your values and larger goals. Understanding your purpose and the “why” of what you are doing fuels the flow state.
It’s like playing a video game as the advantageous hero. Several video games use flow theory in their design. A challenging activity is more engaging, after all. You may be able to make the task harder if you can’t alter the task itself.
You can incorporate the F.L.O.W. model into your daily routine by following these tips:
Increased productivity is only one of the benefits of the F.L.O.W. model. In a flow state, we experience:
Mastering the art of focused work and embracing the F.L.O.W. model can help us regain control of our time and attention. We can overcome the chaos of multitasking through deep focus, achieve our goals, find fulfillment, and thrive despite a world that demands our constant attention.
Ultimately, the key to success is not doing more but doing less well.
The Flow Model, or Flow Theory, was developed by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. When fully immersed in an activity, individuals experience full engagement, focused attention, and enjoyment.
The following are some key characteristics of Flow:
There are several benefits to experiencing Flow, including:
It is not always possible to experience Flow, but there are some strategies you can try to increase your chances:
Image Credit: Aleksandr Neplokhov; Pexels
The post Mastering Productivity Through the F.L.O.W. Model appeared first on Calendar.
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