“The optimal state of inner experience is one in which there is order in consciousness. This happens when
psychic energy—or attention—is invested in realistic goals, and when skills match the opportunities for
action. The pursuit of a goal brings order in awareness because a person must concentrate attention on the
task at hand and momentarily forget everything else. These periods of struggling to overcome challenges are
what people find to be the most enjoyable of their lives. A person who has achieved control over psychic
energy and has invested it in consciously chosen goals cannot help but grow into a more complex being. By
stretching skills, by reaching toward higher challenges, such a person becomes an increasingly
extraordinary individual.”
- Mihaly Csiskzentmihalyi
FLOW.
Surprisingly, this isn't about fluid forces and biomechanics.
It’s a term coined by Mihaly Csiskzentmihalyi, cofounder of the positive psychology movement – the science of how
we experience life in the most optimal state.
“Easy speed”
The race flies by, each stroke feels effortless, you’re in the zone - this state of enjoyment yields hyper-performance,
but how do we achieve this?
“This happens when psychic energy—or attention—is invested in realistic goals, and when skills match the
opportunities for action”
Goals + skill + challenge = enjoyment
“The pursuit of a goal brings order in awareness because a person must concentrate attention on the task at hand
and momentarily forget everything else. These periods of struggling to overcome challenges are what people find to
be the most enjoyable of their lives”
1. A goal
2. A challenge
3. Enjoyment
The key to finding this optimal state: Match your skills with the challenge. There are always ways to do this. Is the
interval too easy? Double your underwater kicks, challenge yourself to hold a faster pace, or concentrate on a
technical skill. Too hard? Step out of the panic zone, focus on the aspect you enjoy and how you are building the
skills to rise to this challenge.
Enjoyment is found in utilizing and stretching one’s skill in pursuit of a challenge. By focusing on theprocess (not
breathing out of your turns during practice) rather than the outcome (winning summer league champs) you’ll reduce
stress, enjoy yourself, and reap the rewards.