Flow

The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Paperback, 336 pages

English language

Published June 30, 2008 by Harper Perennial Modern Classics.

ISBN:
978-0-06-133920-2
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4 stars (7 reviews)

The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's famous investigations of "optimal experience" have revealed that what makes an experience genuinely satisfying is a state of consciousness called flow. During flow, people typically experience deep enjoyment, creativity, and a total involvement with life. In this new edition of his groundbreaking classic work, Csikszentmihalyi demonstrates the ways this positive state can be controlled, not just left to chance. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience teaches how, by ordering the information that enters our consciousness, we can discover true happiness, unlock our potential, and greatly improve the quality of our lives.

4 editions

Flow is Slow But a Classic Just the Same

4 stars

The well known psychological state of Flow was essentially defined by this famous book. Flow occurs when one is singularly focused on a challenging task where time seems distorted, distractions seem diminished, and one's sense of well being is high. Although this state is usually achieved spontaneously, and most of us have experienced it at least occasionally, it has been extensively studied and the factors that induce it are known. If one understands these factors, then entering a flow state on demand is possible.

In order to achieve a flow state, one must learn how to focus attention on the task at hand and reduce distractions. The task, whether it's physical or mental, must be challenging with clear goals or outcomes. One must approach these tasks with genuine interest or curiosity, otherwise, the motivations will not allow for a flow state to develop. For example, if you're researching a topic …

Subjects

  • General
  • Psychology & Psychiatry / General
  • Psychology