The Art of Finding FLOW Quotes

“How can we become clear about our purpose, goals, and priorities? The following tips will help. Write down specifically what you’d like to achieve in the short term. For example, “I want a perfect score on my next exam,” “I want to beat my record in this sporting event,” or “I want to finish writing this novel by the end of the month.” Express why you’d like to achieve this goal. The plainer your reason, the greater your sense of clarity about the actions you need to take. Determine how you’ll measure your success. Simpler is better. An example would be your score on your next exam. You’ll know immediately whether you’ve achieved your goal. Deduce a worst-case scenario in the event you fail. This scenario will almost certainly be less severe than your imagination suggests. Create a contingency plan. Decide what you’ll do if you fail to achieve your goal. Will you spend more time studying for your next exam? Will you modify your physical training regimen? Will you commit to writing more words per day?”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!

“If your inner critic is out of control, try the following whenever it rears its head: Write down the charge made by your inner critic in the second person. For example, “I’ll never find someone to love me” becomes “You’ll never find someone to love you.” This tactic severs your attachment to the claim. Rather than accepting it at face value, you’re more likely to question it. Dispute the charge. Demand supporting evidence. Then, scrutinize the evidence. (It won’t survive this challenge.) Recall incidents that counter the charge. For example, following feedback at your job, recall your successful projects. Imagine advising a friend whose inner critic has made a similar charge. For example, you wouldn’t say, “You are incompetent and useless.” Instead, you’d say, “You made a mistake. Big deal. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s not the end of the world.” Show yourself the same compassion.”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!

“Here are a few helpful tips for replacing your “yes” habit with a “no” habit: Always know what is important to you (this is where you should spend your time). Recognize that saying “no” rejects the request, not the person making it. Create a few graceful responses (e.g., “I’d like to help you, but I’m swamped right now.”). Offer an alternative (e.g., “My schedule is packed today and tomorrow. Can I help you on Thursday?”). Be candid and clear (say, “No, I won’t be able to attend tonight” rather than “Umm, I’m not sure…”). Grow comfortable with missing out.”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!

“If you struggle with perfectionism, try the following tips. They’ll help you to overcome it. When you make a mistake, remember that it doesn’t mean disaster. Most mistakes are fixable. Some can be ignored entirely because they’re inconsequential. Ask yourself whether the time, effort, and stress related to perfection are worthwhile in light of your goals. This encourages you to see the larger picture. Regard your efforts as a “first draft.” First drafts contain mistakes. Acknowledge that these mistakes can be resolved later during subsequent drafts. This will help alleviate your fear of making them. Track and celebrate your progress. You can make a ton of mistakes and still accomplish something worth self-praise. Remind yourself why you’re doing the activity. This encourages you to see the big picture rather than get hung up on the minor details.”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!

“When we’re wholly focused and engaged, self-consciousness doesn’t affect us. We act without worry regarding our mistakes, other people’s expectations, and how others perceive us.”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!

“I learned not to wait for my muse.”
― Damon Zahariades, The Art of Finding FLOW: How to Get in the Zone, Maintain Razor-Sharp Focus, and Improve Your Productivity and Performance at Will!