Tap into the flow state to build skills

[KristinaLechuga]

Need to optimize your skill-building and other learning efforts? By entering the flow state, you can learn new skills quickly and easily. This blog explores what the flow state is, why it’s so useful for learning and working, and how to tap into it in 3 easy steps.

What if there was a “life hack” for learning new skills as quickly and effectively as possible? Well, there kind of is. It’s not a quick fix, but rather, a state of mind. It’s called the flow state, and it’s how the most successful learners stay focused and determined in achieving their goals—and you can access it, too!

What is the flow state?

The flow state, put simply, is being “in the zone”. It’s that magical feeling when your focus and performance become optimal, and you become fully absorbed in a task. Think “flow”—as in, your thoughts and learning are flowing naturally…a stream of productivity. It’s a state that the best athletes, musicians, writers, and technologists tap in to when practicing their craft.

If you’re seeking to grow knowledge and develop new skills, achieving the flow state can be particularly useful. Picture this: absorbing material with no distractions and becoming so engrossed in the learning that you lose track of time. So if want to be a successful learner, the flow state is what you’re seeking.

But how do you know if you’ve achieved it?

Go with the flow (state)

It’s possible you’ve achieved a flow state before without even realizing it. Typically, there are four main characteristics to the flow state:

• Intense concentration. A person in the flow state is completely focused on the task, and they aren’t easily distracted.
• Lost track of time. Ever watched a good movie or read a book, and were shocked to see how quickly time flew by? Losing track of time is a sign of the flow state, too. You become so fully engaged in the learning that you lose self-awareness.
• Sense of control. Like taking the same commute every day, you know what the next stop is and where to end.
• Clarity. You know exactly where you are in the learning journey and what to anticipate. Plus, you know what you want to achieve, and what success looks like.

And while this last one isn’t “officially” a sign of the flow state, enjoyment is a part of the formula. If you’re feeling productive, focused, and satisfied toward it all, that’s a classic flow state.

Achieve the flow state with these 3 tips

You don’t have to be a professional athlete, technologist or writer to access the flow state. Here are three ways to get there:

1. Eliminate distractions. This one seems straightforward, but it’s the most important. Put your phone on airplane mode. Mute notifications. Get noise-cancelling headphones if you’re working somewhere noisy. It takes self-discipline to do these, but it’s crucial to focus without interruptions.
2. Create a set and setting for optimal performance. Find a playlist of productivity-boosting music. Do you have a beverage of choice that motivates you—coffee, tea, mango kombucha? Whatever it is, create an environment that cues your brain to start focusing. Even certain scents can trigger the brain to know it’s time to work—a scented candle or essential oil diffuser work well.
3. Set goals and specific tasks. Whether it’s a meticulous to-do list, or sticky notes placed all over your office, make sure to set specific tasks with a goal in mind before starting your work. It helps to explicitly set goals, such as “I will complete x task by the end of the day”. If you’re someone who gets stuck in meetings all day, it’s okay to block out time on your calendar for much-needed flow state sessions.

With these three tips, learning becomes more automatic and less of an uphill battle. And, the outcomes are so rewarding!

Flow state + continuous learning = perfection

By using learning methods that fit your unique style, you can grow skills and become knowledgeable in all the areas that matter most. With HPE Digital Learner, you access self-paced eLearning on HPE technology, IT industry trends, and business and personal skills development.

Made for the modern learner, it provides continuous learning options through diverse delivery formats so you can learn what you need, how you want, from wherever you want. Learn more at hpe.com/ww/digitallearner.