#117

Mentioned in 145 episodes

Flow

The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Book • 2008

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

In this classic work, Csikszentmihalyi investigates 'optimal experience' and reveals that true happiness and satisfaction can be achieved through a state of consciousness called 'flow.

' During flow, individuals experience complete concentration on the task, clarity of goals, and immediate feedback.

The book demonstrates how this positive state can be controlled and how it can improve the quality of life by unlocking meaning, creativity, and peak performance.

Mentioned by

David Heinemeier Hansson

Arthur C Brooks

Mentioned in 145 episodes

Mentioned by

Cal Newport

in the context of deliberate practice and its relation to flow states.

How to Enhance Focus and Improve Productivity | Dr. Cal Newport

David Heinemeier Hansson

read this book to understand how to get better with flow.

#474 – DHH: Future of Programming, AI, Ruby on Rails, Productivity & Parenting

Mentioned by Arthur Brooks when discussing the state of self-forgetting and total absorption for transcendent experience.

#841: Arthur Brooks — Finding The Meaning of Your Life, The Poet's Protocol, The Holy Half-Hour, and Why Your Suffering is Sacred

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

to explain the importance of enjoying what you learn.

How To Learn Anything 10x Faster Than Anyone With AI

Mentioned by

John Vervaeke

when discussing the concept of flow state and optimal experience.

#317 – John Vervaeke: Meaning Crisis, Atheism, Religion & the Search for Wisdom

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

when discussing the concept of flow state and productivity.

The Deep Work Routine That Changed My Life

Mentioned by

David Senra

in relation to the concept of autotelic activities.

Sessions: David Senra (Founders Podcast)

Recommended by

Susan Cain

as a book that changed her life.

The hidden power of introverts: How to thrive without changing who you are | Susan Cain (author of "Quiet")

Mentioned by

Derren Brown

in the context of flow state and life's challenges.

#776: Derren Brown — A Master Mentalist on Magic, Mind Reading, Ambition, Stoicism, Religion, and More

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

as one of his favorite books because of its clear thinking and tangible, practical guidance to living a good life.

Dan Koe - How To Get Ahead Of 99% Of People in 2026

Mentioned by

Cal Newport

when discussing the concept of flow and its limitations in deliberate practice.

Ep. 304: Seinfeld on The Deep Life

Mentioned by

Hector Hughes

in relation to happiness and alignment in life.

Dopamine Detox: How To Stop Overstimulation Ruining Your Life - Hector Hughes

Mentioned by

Richard Koch

in relation to the concept of 'flow'.

#466: Richard Koch on Mastering the 80/20 Principle, Achieving Unreasonable Success, and The Art of Gambling

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

as one of the books from which he drew the principle of working less.

183. This is Boring But It’ll 10x Your Personal Brand in 2026 ft. Dan Koe

Mentioned by

Mike Schmitz

as a frequently cited book in productivity discussions.

159: The Art of Note-Taking

Mentioned by

Shaan Puri

when discussing a company he invested in.

3 Niche Business Ideas We Thought Would Fail… But Actually Crushed It

Mentioned by

John Vervaeke

when explaining the concept of flow state and its connection to shamanistic practices.

Ep. 2 - Flow, Metaphor, and the Axial Revolution

Recommended by

Louisa Nicola

when discussing the importance of being able to transition between different brain states.

Cognitive Decline Expert: The Disease That Starts in Your 30s but Kills You in Your 70s

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

when discussing the concept of flow state and productivity.

Disappear For 2-4 Hours A Day (The Millionaire Productivity Routine)

Mentioned by

Arthur C Brooks

in relation to flow state and creativity.

30 Days to Take Control and Shape Your Future | Jordan Peterson, Arthur Brooks, and Dave Hollis (Archived Episode)

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