Finding Flow

The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life

De: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Narrado por: Sean Pratt

Part psychological study, part self-help book, Finding Flow is a prescriptive guide that helps us reclaim ownership of our lives.

Based on a far-reaching study of thousands of individuals, Finding Flow contends that we often walk through our days unaware of and out of touch with our emotional lives. Our inattention makes us constantly bounce between two extremes: During much of the day, we live filled with the anxiety and pressures of our work and obligations, and during our leisure moments, we tend to live in passive boredom. The key, according to Csikszentmihalyi, is to challenge ourselves with tasks requiring a high degree of skill and commitment. Instead of watching television, play the piano. Transform a routine task by taking a different approach. In short, learn the joy of complete engagement. Though they appear simple, the lessons in Finding Flow are life altering.

©1997 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (P)2015 Gildan Media LLC

Really enjoyed it.

It wasn’t exactly what I thought it was going to be but I got a lot of it. Definitely worth a listen.

excellent material, strong concept

had read before and this was a tremendous great refresher. combines some universal thoughts that work.

Really is the PSYCHOLOGY of engagement

I was looking for actionable steps for either achieving the state of flow or at least some tips. This was very psychology heavy. If you want some actionable tips to skip this book here they are...

1. Set clear goals... enough "just working on it". What exactly are you working on?

2. Match challenge with skill... too easy is boring and too hard and you'll quit.

3. Eliminate distractions... flow requires deep focus on oddly specific problems and topics.

4. Seek immediate feedback... crucial for staying engaged.

5. Find intrinsic motivation... do something for it's own sake rather than for external rewards. The topics have to interest you. (I just saved you about 1hr 30minutes)

6. Practice mindfulness... being fully present is good (didn't really understand this part... will look up better books specific to this topic).

7. Maintain a routine... this was specific to flow related activities, not everyday tasks like your morning routine. An example is if you are learning how to draw or studying, you will get into a flow state more often by keeping consistent at that task. It helps more if you stumble into flow once, then try copying that routine to make it happen again.

8. Engage in activities you love... these things don't have to be flow producing activities, it just makes the "flow state" more accessible. Similar to #5.

Hope this helps and saves someone 5hrs or so!

My first complete audio book experience

Loved it. Other books I had just not been able to finish them. Maybe because I'm so passionate about the subject. Great!

A must read for every human!

This book should be added as a must to every person’s early education. Perfectly explaining the most fundamental aspects of happiness and self-fulfillment. Listened to it in one session! Do yourself a favor, read it!

Life purpose and life changing book!

Perfect timing in my life to enter Flow; amazing insights and Psychological observations to support a great life. Amazing work Mihaly and great Narrator Sean.

Less scientific, more philosophical & socialist

Was expecting more sound reasoning than general philosophizing and socialist rhetoric, especially after hearing so many people refer to this author so highly :/

Finding Flow

Important message that can help one lead a fulfilling life. Serves are a good reminder about prioritizing your life.

finding flow

i love the concept and the simple solutions to living at one. Well worth a listen

Excellent Content

Great read and constructive content for daily life. a diamond in the fluffed up self-help books.