Mark Divine talks to Steven Kotler, expert on flow state. They discuss the characteristics of flow, earning passion over time, doubling down on flow activities during crisis, and unlocking flow for optimal experience.
Passion, purpose, and curiosity are powerful intrinsic motivators that align our attention and energy towards peak performance.
Good physical and mental well-being, motivation cultivation, and training grit are foundational for accessing flow and peak performance.
Flow, an optimal state of consciousness, enhances performance, creativity, and learning while providing deep satisfaction and fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Power of Passion, Purpose, and Curiosity
Passion, purpose, and curiosity are powerful drivers of focus and motivation. Passion and curiosity provide focus for free, reducing the energy required for tasks. Purpose, when attached to a cause greater than oneself, boosts motivation and allows for the ego to take a backseat. These intrinsic motivators align our attention and energy toward a specific direction, providing a foundation for peak performance.
The Path to Peak Performance and Flow
The path to peak performance and flow begins with foundational basics, such as maintaining good physical and mental well-being, which include sleep, nutrition, exercise, gratitude, mindfulness, and social support. Once these basics are in place, the focus shifts to cultivating motivation. Extrinsic motivators, like financial security, lay the foundation, while intrinsic motivators, like curiosity and passion, drive us forward. Purpose emerges when our passion is directed towards a cause greater than ourselves. This path also highlights the importance of training grit, developing resilience, and embracing the long and gradual journey towards peak performance.
The Transformative Power of Flow
Flow, an optimal state of consciousness, is a key component of peak performance. It is characterized by a merging of action and awareness, heightened focus, a sense of control, and a temporary loss of self-consciousness. Flow is triggered by a combination of psychological and neurobiological factors, including dopamine, norepinephrine, alpha-theta brainwaves, and transient hypo-frontality. Flow not only enhances performance, creativity, and learning, but also provides deep satisfaction and fulfillment. By pursuing activities that induce flow and engaging in deliberate practice, individuals can increase their chances of experiencing flow and accessing their peak potential.
P30M Probiotic: Improving Digestion and Immune System
The podcast discusses the benefits of P30M probiotics in improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Unlike many probiotics, P30M is designed to survive contact with stomach acid and does not compete with other strains. It does not require refrigeration and has been clinically proven to provide more energy, reduce bloating, and enhance mental clarity. P30M also helps shift the metabolism into fat-burning mode.
Cultivating Curiosity and Doubling Down on Flow
The podcast explores the importance of curiosity in cultivating passion and purpose. Curiosity is a powerful driver that can be transformed into passion by identifying multiple curiosities and finding their intersections. By delving into these areas of interest for short periods of time consistently, dopamine and norepinephrine are released, enhancing motivation and curiosity. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the value of focusing on one's primary flow activity, as it can reset the nervous system, alleviate anxiety, and enhance curiosity, leading to a state of contentment.
Today Mark is talking to Steven Kotler, prolific author and expert on the state of flow. Among his many books, he is the co-author of Stealing Fire and his most recent book is The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer, just released yesterday.
He is also one of the co-founders of the Flow Genome Project and the founder of the Flow Research Collective.
Hear how: Flow is the optimal state of consciousness-six core characteristics emerge for us to feel and perform our best
There is early-stage passion and late-stage passion-your passion and purpose are earned over time
The time of crisis is the time for you to double-down on your primary flow activity
Listen in for a better understanding of how you can unlock your flow and live in an optimal experience during these VUCA times.
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