Let’s talk about getting into the flow. You know what I’m talking about, that special state of mind we reach — sometimes quite by accident — where work flows effortlessly and we get an insane amount of work done in a short period of time. It’s a great feeling and something well worth striving for more regularly. Here’s how to do just that.
Step 1 — Get Prepared
It’s hard to get into the flow if you constantly have to get up to grab more supplies or search for a file on your computer.
Prepare as much as you can. Make sure you have all items and information you may need at your fingertips. Of course, new ideas and things pop up while you’re working, but do your best to eliminate having to stop and look while you’re in the flow.
Step 2 — Get Comfy
Find a comfortable chair and desk to work at and create a setting that’s conducive to flow. What motivates and inspires you? Is it music, scent, pictures of your family or the calendar with the project outline posted on it? Use whatever it takes to transport yourself into a flow state.
Step 3 — Get Your Head in the Game
Last but not least, getting into the flow is mostly mental. Yes, the external stuff we talked about helps, but you can sabotage all the preparation in the world if you go in with a bad attitude.
Instead spend a few minutes visualizing what it feels like to be in the flow. Then think about why it’s important to get this work done. Who will it benefit? What impact will it have on you, your job, your family? Find some internal motivation to make you want to get this done. That’s when you’re ready to get to work and get into the flow.
Give this three-step process a try and use it anytime you want to get more done in less time. As an added bonus, you’ll find you have more fun doing your work, and you gain a lot of pride for a job well done in a timely manner. And let’s not forget that this leaves you plenty of time for the important stuff — spending time with your loved ones and enjoying one of your favourite hobbies. And that’s a good thing.
Donna S. Vieira is a certified Gentle Trauma Release Practitioner and Astro-Empowerment Coach who uses her knowledge of Astrology in sessions with her clients. She’s also a published freelance travel and lifestyle writer, blogger, and editor who has traveled the globe. You can read about some of her travels at FromMyTravelBag.com. She and her chef husband, Fernando, own Globetrotters Bed & Breakfast/Gallery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada, where they have been welcoming guests from around the world since 2002.