There are days where magical things just seem to happen in my work.  I feel energized, focused, and productive.  My head is fully and completely “in the game” and my work brings me joy and satisfaction.

In psychology circles, this state of energized focus is called “Flow.”  Flow occurs when we are fully involved in a task, overcoming obstacles with ease, and producing results that give us personal satisfaction and contentment.  Sound too good to be true?  Research shows that 20% of people achieve Flow every day, while another 15% say that this has never happened to them.

If Flow is truly a state of effortless action, how can we make it happen more in our day-to-day work?

Three Steps to Achieving Flow at Work

Step One:  Set Goals

Flow is most likely to appear when there are clear goals to achieve.  Make your goals challenging but not impossible to attain.  Goals will inspire you to action and increase the likelihood that you will achieve Flow.

Step Two:  Gather Relevant Resources

Flow can be disrupted when you do not have the tools you need to accomplish your goal.  Keep a file of notes, articles, and thoughts that you have gathered on a goal you need to achieve.  When it comes time to sit down and start working on a goal, this file will be a treasure chest of information that will help you achieve and maintain Flow.

Step Three:  Create the Environment

Flow is about focus.  To successfully achieve it, structure an environment that is conducive to Flow.  Schedule a block of time on your calendar to focus on your goal.  Minimize interruptions by shutting down your email, turning down the volume on your phone, and closing your office door (and/or posting a “Please Do Not Disturb” sign).  If you struggle with procrastination, set a timer to give yourself that deadline-based adrenaline rush that can be so motivational.

If Flow seems to continually elude you, ask yourself some questions:

• Are my goals aligned with my values?  Do the goals need to be changed?
• Do I have the skills needed to achieve my goals?  How can I develop myself further?
• Is there someone else who can help me achieve this goal?  Should I delegate this goal to them?
• What barriers, real or perceived, are keeping me from focusing on this goal?  What do I need to do to remove the barriers?

If you buy into this concept of Flow, then the enjoyment of your work comes not so much from the specific responsibilities of your job but rather an internal feeling of commitment and achievement.  Happiness that is a result of external circumstances, like a raise or promotion, quickly fades.  Happiness that is a result of Flow comes from an internal source and leads to increased self-knowledge and growth.

Commit yourself to your goals for a designated time, and you may be amazed at what “Flows” from you.

Are you ready to get serious about this workplace productivity thief?


Read my eBook Reduce Interruptions…you don’t have to be a victim.

Melissa Gratias (pronounced “Gracious”) used to think that productivity was a result of working long hours. And, she worked a lot of hours. Then, she learned that productivity is a skill set, not a personality trait. Now, Melissa is a productivity expert who coaches and trains other businesspeople to be more focused, balanced, and effective. She is a prolific writer and speaker who travels the world helping people change how they work and improve how they live. Contact her at getproductive@melissagratias.com or 912-417-2505. Sign up to receive her productivity tips via email.