Growth Minds with Sean Kim 71. How to Get Into The Flow State | Steven Kotler
Feb 10, 2021
Steven Kotler, NYT bestselling author and founder of the Flow Research Collective, explores the science and practice of flow. He talks about defining flow, its neurobiology and chemicals, primary flow activities like skiing, why flow amplifies creativity and performance, practical ways to increase flow, tech that might accelerate it, and how flow relates to therapy, addiction treatment, and purpose.
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Primary Flow Activity Trains Your Brain
- Flow is a trainable focusing skill that amplifies performance across creativity, motivation, learning, and immune function.
- Doubling down on a primary flow activity (Kotler skis twice weekly) trains the brain so flow gained there carries over to work days.
Flow Works By Shutting Down The Prefrontal Cortex
- Neuroanatomy shows flow reduces brain activity in non-critical areas via transient hypofrontality, notably quieting prefrontal cortex functions like self-reflection and time perception.
- This efficiency exchange frees energy for deep focus and explains the 'elongated present' and reduced anxiety in flow.
Flow Produces A Potent Neurochemical Cocktail
- Flow triggers a cocktail of neurochemicals (dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, anandamide, norepinephrine) that massively boost motivation and learning.
- Kotler calls flow autotelic and the brain's natural 'most addictive state' that underpins higher life satisfaction.
