I have written previously about time with oneself in which I referenced “flow”. One aspect of that is getting into a “zone” – a period of high productivity. In my case, it is when I can switch off from the surroundings and just be with myself, letting the thoughts flow. For example, when I write my blog columns, I am in that state of mind. It is typically a weekend early morning. For about 2-3 hours, I am converting my thinking into words – undistracted and oblivious to the world around me.
One necessary condition is to be able to avoid the temptation to check digital devices and our inboxes. The alerts that come from our messaging or social apps induce us to open them, and then there goes the mental momentum that we had. So, creating conditions which eliminate these interruptions becomes very important.
During a recent visit to Rajasthan, I experienced the zone as I was sitting in the temples. I had my writing notebook with me, and just let the thoughts flow. To keep my mind clutter-free, I write everything that I am thinking. It was like being on a plane – contiguous time with myself.
In recent months, I have found another way to create a zone for myself. I use the Bose QC45 headset, put on music at low volume, sit on a comfortable chair or sofa at home or in the office, open my notebook and let the words flow; there will be plenty of time to filter the useful from the useless later.
Each of us needs to create a mechanism to enter a zone to be at our productive best. There is plenty of advice out there. This is from Entrepreneur:
- Have a pre-work ritual
- Curate a playlist
- Clear mental clutter
- Create a forced deadline
- Build a fortress against interruption
- Use social facilitation to your advantage
- Follow the Goldilocks Principle
Ladders: “The first step is to recognize the conditions necessary to bring it about. By understanding your body’s circadian rhythm, for example, you can schedule challenging projects for the time when you’re most alert. Fuel your body with snacks that are high in omega-3, which improve brain function, and you’re well on your way to creating ideal circumstances for getting in the zone. The environment around you is also vital if you want to get in a flow. Music without lyrics has been proven to focus your mind and increase performance, while the color green also has a significant impact on how productive we are. Looking at scenes from nature, or even just the color itself can boost your productivity significantly.”
HBR: “The first time you sit down to do something, you’re not going to find flow; nor the second, or the tenth, and probably not even the hundredth. Why? Getting in the zone requires activating the subconscious part of the brain. The very nature of it requires you not to be trying, not consciously thinking about what it is you’re doing — instead, you’re just doing it…The Zone requires your subconscious: Flow only works when the subconscious takes over from the conscious mind. Being practiced at what you do is necessary, but it’s not sufficient. This is where other techniques start to kick in: meditation is a well-known way of doing exactly this; visualization is, too.”
My advice: Getting into the zone can do wonders for productivity. Try out a few methods and see what works best. Keep a notebook handy so you can write out the thoughts that flow thus keeping the mind free at all times for fresh ideas to stream in.
