Allowing and resisting are two different approaches to dealing with challenges or obstacles. Allowing involves accepting the situation as it is and working with it, while resisting involves trying to fight against or change the situation. These approaches can impact the ability to get into the flow state in different ways.
Allowing and Resisting
Allowing can help you get into the flow state by allowing you to focus on the present moment and work with what you have. By accepting the situation, you can free up mental space and energy that would otherwise be used to fight against it. This can help you to become more relaxed and focused, which can improve your ability to concentrate and achieve flow.
Resisting, on the other hand, can hinder your ability to get into the flow state. If you’re constantly fighting against the situation or feeling frustrated, it can be difficult to concentrate and focus on the task at hand. This can lead to a state of stress or anxiety, which can make it harder to achieve flow.
So allowing can help you get into the flow state by allowing you to work with the situation and freeing up mental space and energy. Resisting, on the other hand, can hinder your ability to get into the flow state by creating stress and distractions that make it difficult to concentrate.
Practical steps
If someone is resisting the present moment, it may be a sign that they are experiencing stress or anxiety. Here are some practical steps that can help them get into the present moment:
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of the current moment. Encourage the person to practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, walking meditation, or body scanning.
- Identify triggers: Identify what triggers the person’s resistance to the present moment. Is it a particular situation, person, or thought? Once identified, work together to find ways to manage and heal the underlying cause problem, or temporarily eliminate these triggers
- Reframe negative thoughts: Help the person reframe negative thoughts into positive ones. Encourage them to focus on what they can control and find things to be grateful for in the present moment.
- Engage in enjoyable activities: Encourage the person to engage in activities they enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones. Doing enjoyable activities can help distract the person from their stress and anxiety.
- Seek professional help: If the person’s resistance to the present moment is persistent or interfering with their daily life, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor. A mental health professional can provide additional strategies and support.
Balance is Key
Getting into the flow state requires a balance between challenge and skill. Extreme levels of challenge or skill can hinder a person’s ability to get into the flow state.
On one hand, if the challenge level is too high and the person’s skill level is too low, they may become overwhelmed and experience anxiety or frustration, making it difficult to focus and enter the flow state. This can lead to feelings of failure and defeat, which can be demotivating and prevent them from trying again.
On the other hand, if the skill level is too high and the challenge level is too low, the person may become bored and disinterested, making it difficult to maintain focus and enter the flow state. They may feel like the task is too easy and not worth their time and effort.
Therefore, it is important to find the right balance between challenge and skill to enter the flow state. This balance allows the person to experience a sense of accomplishment and progress, while still feeling challenged enough to stay engaged and focused on the task at hand.
Flow as a Habit
Achieving flow in everyday life can help improve productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you achieve flow in everyday life:
- Set clear goals: Clearly define what you want to achieve and what steps you need to take to get there. This will give you a sense of direction and purpose, and help you stay focused on the task at hand.
- Choose challenging tasks: Choose tasks that are challenging but still within your skill level. This will help you stay engaged and motivated, and allow you to experience a sense of accomplishment and progress.
- Eliminate distractions: Minimize distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs, and finding a quiet workspace. This will help you stay focused on the task at hand and avoid interruptions.
- Focus on the task at hand: Avoid multitasking and focus on one task at a time. This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the task and achieve flow more easily.
- Practice mindfulness: Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you stay present and focused on the task at hand.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks to avoid burnout and give your brain a chance to rest and recharge. This will help you stay productive and maintain focus over a longer period of time.
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can increase your chances of achieving flow and experiencing the benefits that come with it.
My biggest challenges on this path are setting clear goals and taking breaks. What is yours?
LOL
Manuela
Coaching to Feel Good Now
Self Empowerment in Action 
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