The Flow of Work

Flow.

When we’re working, creatively and otherwise, we want to feel that we’re in the flow.

It’s hard to define.  You know when you’re in the flow, and you know when you’re not.  You can feel it.

Sometimes, people talk about being in “the zone.” I’m being very nitpicky here, but to me, that’s similar but not exactly the same.

My differentiation between “flow” and “zone”  is that working in the zone is about being focused mentally on a task, while working in the flow is a combined feeling of focus and calm.  

The zone might be very intense, while the flow is more smooth and calm.  If I had to explain it visually, the zone might be rough waves, but I’m entirely focused on them, while the flow is, well, exactly what you’d imagine.  Calm water, but it’s moving in the right direction.  I can focus on that too, but it feels different.  

The flow is more enjoyable than the zone, and it has a tangible end result that I feel good about having produced.

But for the purpose of this, you can use whichever term you wish.  I probably interchange them, too.

And what’s the difference between “flow” and “inspiration?”

The difference is that flow is the actual work process.  Inspiration can happen beforehand, and it can also happen during the flow of work, which would be a nice synergy.  Flow is the  practical expression of inspiration.  

Flow is felt internally, but someone watching you could probably tell when you’re working in the flow, especially if they know you reasonably well.  They don’t want to bother you, because they can tell that you’re accomplishing your work.

For me, one feature of working in the flow is that, often, my experience of time changes. I get more done, and yet I look at the clock and I’m surprised at how much I accomplished in so little time.  And, as mentioned before, the end product is pretty good.  

I think for some people it’s different, in that they lose track of time and find that they’ve been working in the flow for hours.  I don’t usually experience it that way.  Maybe it’s just different for different people, but regardless, working in the flow is a positive experience that is not stressful or frenetic.  We do good work when we’re in the flow.  We have a sense of accomplishment.

So - how do you get to spend more time in the flow?

I believe that you need to set yourself up for success, and then you stand a better chance of spending more of your work time in the flow.  For me, this might include:

• The right materials

• The right environment

• Fewer distractions

• Dedicated time

• Commitment

• A true understanding of what I will be doing during work time, aka, a plan.

I set up my environment so that I have what I need.  If I’m writing, I have the necessary materials and technology.  I’m not afraid to purchase what I really need, but I don’t go overboard, either.  For example, my five-year-old computer is still working fine, but I did purchase a separate, used, word processor for around 40 bucks to use when I need a change of scenery or when someone else in the house needs the computer.

I try to avoid too much noise and too many distractions.  I will move to a different part of the house, or even sit in the car in the driveway.  I’ll listen to ocean or rain sounds with headphones, or an app such as Focus at Will.  I will turn my phone over and put it out of reach, if need be.

I am very aware of, and nurturing of, my creature comforts.  Clothing, temperature, food and drink, etc.  Again, I don’t go overboard.  The Inner Creative is all about living in the real world.  I just try to set up an environment that will make it easier for me to work and feel comfortable, without a lot of hassle.

I communicate with my family, and sometimes I need to tell them what I’m doing and approximately how long that will take.  “I’m working on my podcast, and I’ll be recording in the basement for about 15 minutes.”  That seems reasonable.

If you’ve been plagued by start-and-stop projects, or a restless feeling about your work, I urge you to find your a way to make your work flow.  It won’t always happen, but it will happen more often if you seek it.

One more thing.  I think it’s important to note that working in the flow is still work.

This is in line with my previous post about inspiration.  Don’t wait for magic fairies.  Inspiration comes and goes, and it often comes when you get to work.  Well, I do believe that art is still work.

I’ve heard things like, “What would you do if you never had to work again?”  Or, “What do you love to do so much that it never feels like work?”

That’s almost never been my experience.

Lots of things that I love still feel like work.  Not bad work, just work.  Because, I don’t think work IS bad.

Writing still feels like work.  Teaching still feels like work.  Walking or hiking, yep, sometimes they feel like work.  Same with parenting, marriage, cooking … most things that actually produce a product or end result.

A few things do not feel like work to me, but those things, in my world, are the activities that consume but do not create.  For example, that includes reading just for fun, or relaxing on the lake during vacation.  Those things are nice, and even necessary, parts of life.  They aren’t work, but they don’t produce anything, either.

So the real question is, when do you feel that you’re working in a nice, productive flow?  How does that feel?

What circumstances support that type of work, and how can you replicate them more often?  How can you set yourself up for success?

Find what works for you, and then do it.  Enjoy the flow.