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The Five Phases of the Flow Cycle
Flow is a four-phase cycle consisting of struggle, release, flow, and recovery. Struggle involves fighting with a task, leading to frustration and anxiety. Release occurs when the task becomes easier, triggering a rush of endorphins. Flow is a state of effortless attention, where self-awareness diminishes, and dopamine drives motivation. Recovery follows flow, replenishing the brain's neurochemistry. Additionally, for knowledge workers, an initial 'engage' phase precedes struggle, involving a conflict between approach and avoidance systems in the brain. This conflict often leads to procrastination, hindering individuals from initiating the flow cycle and entering the state of flow.