Unlocking the Flow State: Triggers and Techniques

Sep 27 / Pascal Van Laere
Flow is a state of peak performance and focus. To consistently access flow, we suggest leveraging 6 key triggers.

Flow triggers are the preconditions that help you enter a flow state. These triggers act as switches that put your brain in the right mode for flow. They can be both internal (like setting clear goals) and external (like creating a distraction-free environment).

By incorporating these triggers into your routine, you can unlock your full potential and thrive in any environment.

FLOW is key to perform & feel well

In our fast-paced world, the ability to perform and feel at our best is more valuable than ever. As discussed in our first newsletter, the flow state, where we're fully immersed and operating at peak efficiency, is the key to unlocking our full potential. But how can we tap into this elusive state more consistently?

How can we tap into FLOW?

While there's no magic button for instant flow, research has identified over 20 triggers that can significantly increase its likelihood. In this newsletter, we'll distill these into six key flow triggers and explore practical techniques to incorporate them into your daily life.

  1. Complete Concentration: Flow requires undivided attention. Questions to consider: What can you do to become 100% focused on the task without being distracted? What strategies can you use to eliminate external and internal distractions?
  2. Ambitious and Clear Goals: Flow thrives on challenge and clarity. Questions to consider: What can you do to make your projects ambitious? How can you add ambition, novelty, complexity or risk to your project? How can you break down your goals into smaller, more manageable steps?
  3. Challenge-Skills Balance: Flow occurs when our skills are perfectly matched to the challenge at hand. Questions to consider: Are your current tasks pushing your abilities without overwhelming you? How can you find the sweet spot between challenge and skill?
  4. Direct and Immediate Feedback: Feedback is your most powerful growth engine to increase your competence and mastery in anything you do. Questions to consider: What can you do to receive frequent feedback on your projects, that helps you understand what you’re doing well and what you could do differently? How can you make feedback a regular part of your workflow?
  5. Cultivating Autonomy: Flow flourishes when we feel in control. Questions to consider: What can you do to create a sense of control over your project? What can you do to increase the feeling that you can choose how to solve the problem?
  6. Manage Your Energy: Flow is optimised when we work with our natural energy rhythms. Questions to consider: When do you feel most energised and focused? How can you align your tasks with your peak energy levels?


In the next post, we'll shift our focus to the unique challenges faced by young professionals and how they can leverage the power of flow to thrive & grow in today's workplace. Stay tuned!

Interested in Go FLOW?

Do you want to discuss what Go FLOW can mean for your teams? Enter your email & we will get in touch with you to discuss a tailor made proposal!
Thank you! 🙏
We'll be in touch soon! đź‘‹