Flow State

My HDMI port didn’t work.

I use the HDMI for pre-training presentation “run-throughs” and sometimes on location when I need the connection. So, it’s not critical, but still necessary.

I went to a company that’s helped me recently with little, prickly computer issues like this. They needed the laptop for the day to do some diagnostics. I moved some files I planned to work on today to a jump drive that I can use on my wife’s computer. I dropped it off the day before. I’m writing this on my wife’s computer today and realized I am way ahead on my list today.

Why?

I don’t have any of the normal distractions from my computer. I have email capability on my iPhone but it’s not nearly as convenient as the laptop. So – only urgent emails are dealt with. Hmmm. I don’t have all my other files, so I’ve stayed with the plan today. And the plan was built on what I put on the jump drive.

Even Googling. It’s readily available on Amy’s computer, but I just don’t go there as much. I can’t go fishing for other files, getting distracted by changing course. I can’t get distracted by the same old reminders.

It’s like I put the blinders on without knowing I did it. And then, bam! Productivity. Ahead of schedule.

The power of focus or the zone or the flow state – all of it is what we want in our work, relationships, exercise, meditation, writing – whatever we care about. I inadvertently accomplished this today, which is why I am currently using some “gained” margin to write this article!

Plan focus into your day, or build constraints that force it, if that’s what’s needed. Put your phone in an inconvenient place. Put it on Airplane mode for a while. I just got up and put my phone in the other room! Remove everything you’re not working on from your desk. Stay in one place for at least 90 minutes, then take a 10-minute break.

It’s like being on the highway when you can’t see any cars ahead and behind – just a smooth, clear path ahead.

No distractions.

You are now in the Flow State.