Let’s talk about getting into the flow. You know what I’m talking about. That special mental state where you’re laser-focused and super productive. You get more done than you thought possible and time flies. It’s a great feeling. But it isn’t easy to get into a Flow State on demand.
Wouldn’t it be great if there was some sort of magical dust that you could sprinkle on your head and poof, you’re in the flow. Well, i checked Ebay and Amazon and as of yet, I have not been able to find a reliable source of this type of magic dust. If you find it, shoot me an email.
I did however in my studies of how flow state works come across something that works just as well. Think of it as mental magic dust. And that’s motivation. Yep, you read that right – motivation = magic dust. Here’s what I mean:
When you’re highly motivated to get something done, it suddenly becomes much easier to get into the flow. But there’s a trick to it. You have to be fully motivated and you have to be motivated by the right things. Just making sure you get your job done so your boss doesn’t yell at you isn’t going to cut it.
Being on the verge of losing your job however will do the trick. But that’s not the most pleasant scenario and I’m certainly not suggesting you risk your lifelyhood to test this out. But there is an important lesson to be learned here. When you have some skin in the game, you are more likely to be motivated to see it through. But let’s not go as far as losing your job.
Instead, find something else that motivates you strongly. Make a connection between the thing you want to accomplish (bet it at work or around the house), and a strong emotional response. For example,you could get highly motivated to wrap up a project at work so you can get the bonus that will allow you to buy your daughter the new bike you’ve promised her.
Or, maybe you’re saving up for the down payment on your dream home. Or, maybe you’re just really wanting to get away with your loved ones on a nice vacation this summer.
Think about what motivates you. Dig deep and be honest with yourself. I’ll give you a hint. Money isn’t really a motivator. What that money allows you to buy and do is what’s the true motivation. Find that motivation and use it to help you get into the flow. I promise it works almost as good as magic dust.
