Luchele Mendes Brook
AI Recruiter: Deep Learning, Foundation + Transformer Language Models for Elite AI Start-Ups.
The Science of Flow: How I Found my Focus in
a Distracted World
The constant ping of notifications, the allure of social media, the never-ending to-do list – it felt like my days were a chaotic whirlwind. . Like many, I struggled with focus and productivity, especially as a new independent business owner. The pressure to succeed, without the security of a steady paycheck, was immense. I knew I had to find a way to work smarter, not just harder.
After months of trying different techniques, I finally found the Science of Flow. In the 70s, a researcher named Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi dedicated his life to study Flow. And it wasn’t new. Anyone can and probably would have experienced this phenomenon. Flow is when you are so focused on your work that time almost doesn’t exist. This feeling of timelessness is described
as “a state of consciousness in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter, the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”
For me, who deeply enjoys work, taking it to the next level by understanding the precise formula for Flow seemed to be the answer that I was seeking,
So I dove deep into the research of dedicating specific chunks of time for laser-focused work and practised every week. One day a week, I dedicated to my most important project and set the goal to accomplish it.
There is so much wisdom in this way of working, in fact the Pareto Principle, states that 20% of the work produces 80% of the result. It highlighted that a small portion of my time held the potential for a significant chunk of my results. This meant I needed to identify those high-impact
activities and give them my undivided attention.
Flow is when you are so focused on your work that time almost doesn’t exist.
"
"
But how? Research on peak performance showed that focused work with energizing breaks produced a state of peak productivity. It wasn't just about willpower; science backed the "in the zone" feeling I occasionally experienced. Suddenly, those moments of laser focus weren't random – they were replicable!
This was a game-changer. I started by blocking out dedicated focus periods, even if just for a single day each week. During these blocks, I minimized distractions, set my environment for success, turned my phone off, time-blocked and worked in 90 minute cycles taking breaks to fuel myself by doing something energising like going for a walk in the forest nearby or sitting in meditation under the warm sun.
The focused blocks became sanctuaries of deep work, allowing me to enter a state of flow – that feeling of complete absorption in a task, where time seems to melt away. This was partly because Time Blocking helped me set clear goals for each block and provided immediate feedback on my progress. No more flitting between tasks, wondering what I actually accomplished! Additionally, by scheduling high-challenge tasks during focused blocks, I could ensure my skills were appropriately challenged, another key factor for achieving flow.
The energizing breaks – a 20 minute walk or a 10 minute breath-work session – helped me stay refreshed and return to tasks with renewed focus. The results were undeniable. I accomplished more in less time, and the quality of my work improved significantly.
This journey with Flow isn't over. It's a continuous practice. But the impact has been profound. I no longer feel flustered and overwhelmed. Instead, I feel empowered and in control.
Your Turn: Reflect and Refine
My story is just one example. Have you ever experienced moments of peak productivity? Think about the times you felt truly "in the zone." What were you doing? Could you replicate those conditions by incorporating focused time blocks and energizing breaks?
I honestly believe Flow is the hidden secret that should be taught everywhere. In fact, I later learned that top Google Engineers practice Flow as their go-to productivity-strategy. In fact Google HQ is structured in such a way that the environment, minus the distractions, enables their workers to move easily into Flow. I encourage you to experiment and find what works for
you. By harnessing the science of Flow Psychology, you too can conquer the struggle for focusand unlock a new level of productivity.
Want to learn more? Please let me know, I have been studying the neuroscience of flow and eager to share my best practices with you! I am available via email luchele@valentinabrook.com or on my Instagram Valentinabrook.ai
Author: Luchele Brook is an AI Consultant and Career