finding flow the psychology of engagement with everyday life

His 1993 book, Flow, inspired Jimmy Johnson then coach of the World Champion Dallas Cowboys, and was the subject of a feature story during that year's Super Bowl television broadcast. The idea of creative potential, which Csikszentmihalyi terms 'flow' has become increasingly popular in the public sector. His writings have focused on models of enjoyment and how various people access their creative potential. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced 'ME-high CHICK-sent-me-high-ee) is a professor and former chairman of the Department of English at the University of Chicago. Thought they appear simple, the lessons in 'Finding Flow' are life-altering. In short, learn the joy of complete engagement. Transform a routine task by taking a different approach. Instead of watching television, play the piano.

The key, according to Csikszentmihalyi, is to challenge ourselves with tasks requiring a high degree of skill and commitment. 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, while during our leisure moments, we tend to live in passive boredom.

Based on a far-reaching study of thousands of individuals, 'Finding Flow' contends that we often walk through our days unaware and out of touch with our emotional lives. 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.

Finding flow the psychology of engagement with everyday life