Why Entering Flow State Feels Impossible

In today's video, we delve deep into the intriguing concept of "Flow State," a unique and powerful mental state characterized by an intense focus on a singular task. This phenomenon is often described as being "in the zone," where an individual becomes completely absorbed in their activity, leading to a heightened sense of enjoyment and fulfillment.

he video addresses the challenges and intricacies involved in reaching flow state, explaining why it's almost impossible for many. We dive into the various barriers that prevent individuals from experiencing this optimal state of consciousness, including external distractions, internal conflicts, and the necessity of specific conditions to facilitate flow. Through expert insights and practical tips, we aim to guide viewers on how they can approach this elusive state, enhancing their ability to focus and unlocking new levels of potential in their personal and professional lives.

▼ Timestamps ▼
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00:01 - Entering the flow state is impossible?
02:04 - What you can do to enter a flow state
03:48 - What is eustress?
05:59 - Why we feel overwhelmed
08:15 - What our brain needs for a flow state
10:04 - Keeping our ego out of the picture
12:20 - Fixed Point Gazing
15:12 - Enter the flow state consistently

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[cory]

I think this highlights the trouble a lot of us had with school, lack of eustress. Not motivated by arbitrary task requirements and coursework wasnt challenging in the right ways.

[WastelandWarfighter]

"A loss of ego so that you may lose your sense of self to become one with the task at hand". This concept really helped me, thanks so much.

[dameanvil]

00:00 🧠 Flow state is a mental state characterized by intense focus on a task, but it's not something you can actively "do." It's a state of mind that happens to you.
02:32 🔄 To enter a flow state, you need a moderate level of "eustress, " which is positive stress. Too easy or too hard tasks lead to boredom or distress, both hindering flow.
08:53 🚫 Ego interferes with flow. Comparative thoughts or judgments about oneself create barriers. Let go of comparisons to achieve flow.
11:41 🎯 Sustained, focused attention is crucial for entering a flow state. Practice techniques like fixed point gazing to strengthen this skill. It's the first step (called "Dhar") toward achieving flow.
16:56 ⏰ Similar to staying in bed to increase the likelihood of falling asleep, staying focused for an extended period increases the chance of entering the flow state. This sustained focus enhances the probability of experiencing flow.

[meh_lady]

Nothing gets me into flow state like VR rhythm games. It gets to where I am not thinking about what I’m doing at all yet I smash very fast and complex tracks. It’s not productive in and of itself, but as a 50yo woman with ADHD it’s very useful to escape and reset.

[ThatsValForYa]

hey Doc, i just want to say thank you for this video. This has genuinely absolutely changed my life. I suffer from a crippling anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and have had extreme insomnia ever since i was a child. I have never EVER been able to fall asleep when i go to bed. It would take me up to 7-8 hours to fall asleep, but ever since i started doing the candle gazing technique, i have been able to do it while closing my eyes when trying to sleep. Imagining the candle in my mind and telling myself not to blink and to focus on the candle (even though i literally cant blind since my eyes are closed XD) but i've been actually able to calm down, fall into some kind of flow state where i just let thoughts pass and just "focus on the candle" in my mind and have managed to fall asleep shorty after i lay down in bed for the first time in my life. I cannot thank you enough. Genuinely, you have no idea how life changing this is for me. Thank you thank you THANK YOU. Your content is a godsend for people all around the world.

[CaioLGon]

This is wild. I started watching trying to understand why I can’t enter the flow state anymore. And I learned that in my teens I did a lot of meditation techniques that I didn’t know existed. I even entered in those psychedelic state of mind bunch of times. I even thought I had some kind mental disorder. Been able to enter in a state that i could not distinguish the boundaries between me and the environment totally submerged and devoided of the sense of self. I miss this peacefulness.

[ellahopkinson]

I have always entered a flow state when i was creating anything since i was little, I've struggled with chronic illness the past few years that has limited my creative time- this is one of the things i miss the most, it's an amazing feeling.

[cerberes]

I’m 57, A project manager with a recent official diagnosis of ADD. I have to transition from transactional activities to deep focus document writing and this video is so relevant. It seems like every time I see a Dr K video it’s relevant.

[trollingisasport]

I love being in a flow state. Feels so good. I calm down the emotion as you put by mentally letting go. When I used to get stressed or anxious it would feel like there was an invisible hand wrapped around my mind. Once I learned to release that hand I learned to be free from anxiety and act freely.

[MountainofInspiration]

The flow state is a state of mind not an action ❤❤ Brilliant

[mattiafornari]

Every time I click on one of your videos I become physically agitated by the stuff you say because it's always so relatable as far as what I have felt in my life. Having explanations to all the things that happen in my life is a very exciting feel. You are a legend and I thank you.

[rushiljain]

The #2 advice of abolishing your ego is such a priceless advice that no one else is offering, thanks to Dr.K and the ancient Yogic sciences. I've struggled with it for a long time and as a University student it has hurt me more than it should have. I am slowly working on my ego and arrogance which makes me think I'm better than others, eventually killing all sense of striving and humility. Thank you again Dr.K

[erickhiury]

I remembered a meditation I've read on the book Alter Ego Effect. I think it works to train entering the flow state without burning your eyes.
The trick is to use imagination at your favour. You first pick an easy object to imagine (a paper, a ball, etc...), close your eyes and once you can clearly imagine it, also add a big red number "0" on it. Every time your mind wanders, increase the count by 1.
(Tip#1: you can set a timer for about 2 minutes to track your progress on it).
(Tip #2: to make it easier, imagine the number with a bright red color.)
Glad if it helps ^^

[slimyelow]

Last year I had a job where the eustate was perfect and my health, motivation etc. where in excellent shape. Exactly one year later I worked at a job where I was either overwhelmed for a short period and then bored to death for a longer period. There was hardly ever a flow state and I got physically sick. I was miserable until the day got fired. From then on I felt an immense relief and happiness and wellbeing returned.

[ShmolTank]

I just wanna say that the way you talk, the intonation, pause and so on, it's pleasing to listen to.

[alisonbutcher]

I’m about 1/3 of the way through your guide to meditation, I can’t believe how affordable it is for the amount of amazing info and wisdom, I am SO excited to apply everything!! I’ve been watching you for a couple years now and I’ve gained infinitely more from your videos than from therapy or anything else out there. I tell everyone to watch Dr. K. Thank you Dr. K, keep doing you

[imperialdelights]

i tried the meditation you explained, and unexpectedly i had an emotional release attempting it for the first time. I'm taking that as a good sign to continue the practice.

[somerandomguy]

3:50
This. This really explains how I'm easily able to get to a state of flow the night before exams. I always think those nights that "if only i can be this productive throughout the year, my life would be so unbelievably better". I've never seen any other self-help channel put it the way you did, hell, they say the opposite. To get nice and relaxed before trying to enter it

[marinathr]

I’m an orchestra musician and I’ve entered the flow state yesterday on stage and it was such a profound experience I’m searching info on this topic now. I’m a big overthinker and it messes with my head a lot so when this inner dialogue disappeared completely it was such a unique feeling for me, it helped soooo much! And i was suddenly much more productive and composed than before. The thing is that the piece we played was very long and I’ve entered flow state at the very end of it, now i want to learn how to enter it earlier so i can perform to the best of my ability the whole time and not just some bits of it

[vutuankiet.hock]

00:02 Entering the flow state is technically impossible.
02:05 Facilitating a state of flow requires a healthy amount of stress.
04:09 RAF is sensitive to cortisol and requires a decent amount of stress chemical for activation.
06:12 Breathing techniques can help in metabolizing emotions and reducing feeling overwhelmed.
08:23 Flow state requires synchronicity of activity across the brain and a lack of ego.
10:25 Comparisons and judgments hinder entering the Flow State
12:28 Fixed Point gazing is a direct meditation technique that prepares you for a flow state.
14:29 Practice meditation by restraining natural impulses
16:20 Entering the Flow State increases productivity and learning efficiency.