The flow

A flow state is a state of high creative productivity in which attention rests entirely on the subject of interest. Computer games are notorious for players entering the state in which many natural instincts are suppressed. Players need less sleep, less hydration, and no nutrition. They are the illustration of the power of the flow.

The state of flow is extremely helpful in creative professions, and is also a great form of mental therapy on the par with meditation.

The term was proposed by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (b. 1934). He noticed that for the flow to occur, the task must be perfectly matched to skills and goals (see: Problem valuation network). He also noticed that high skills favor flow, but we all know that a clumsy toddler can also enter the state of flow while trying to put a coin into a piggy bank.

See also:

• Simple formula for a happy life
• How to solve any problem
• Learned optimism
• Creativity
• The flow (at Wikipedia)

This glossary entry is used to explain texts in SuperMemo Guru series on memory, learning, creativity, and problem solving