The 4 Step Process to Achieving Positive Flow State and Reducing Stress
Have you ever lost yourself so deeply in a task that time seemed to stand still? Where your work felt not just effortless, but exhilarating? This is the magic of being in "flow," a state where your best self emerges, and productivity skyrockets. Today, we're exploring this captivating realm with Ali Houston, a master in facilitating flow and blending the worlds of science and spirituality. If you've ever felt stuck in a rut or dreamt of unlocking your highest potential, this conversation with Ali is a must-read.
Why This Matters to You
In an age where burnout is rampant and work-life balance seems like a myth, understanding and achieving flow could be the game-changer you need. Whether you're a creative struggling with a block, a professional bogged down by routine, or simply someone seeking a richer, more fulfilling life experience, Ali's insights provide a roadmap to a state of being where satisfaction and high performance coexist.
Achieving a State of Flow
Ali emphasizes that flow is not a passive state; it requires action and stepping slightly outside your comfort zone. It’s about reaching for something just beyond your grasp, rooted in a growth mindset and openness to new approaches. When in flow, research suggests a staggering 500% boost in productivity, paired with a 470% increase in creativity. This state quiets the critical mind, allowing your true potential to flourish.
Overcoming Barriers to Flow
But what happens when flow seems unattainable? Ali advises dealing with frustration by finding a balance between challenge and overwhelm. She suggests transforming mundane tasks into opportunities for mini flow states and taking breaks when hitting a wall, like a quick walk or a refreshing shower.
The Fun Path to Flow
Interestingly, Ali underscores the importance of fun in achieving flow. However, she also highlights the necessity of rest and recovery post-flow to prevent burnout.
She sees rest and recovery as essential, not just for maintaining high performance but also for enjoying the flow state. Ali suggests that redefining rest, perhaps by taking a day off, going tech-free, and engaging in rejuvenating activities, can be a significant paradigm shift for many who might view rest as unproductive or lazy. This balance is key to sustaining a healthy, high-performance lifestyle.
The Connection of Human Design and Getting in the Flow
Ali elaborated on how human design is integral to her work in facilitating flow. She described it as an energetic blueprint unique to each individual, created at the moment of birth. This blueprint, a blend of the I Ching, astrology, Kabbalah, quantum physics, and chakra systems, allows Ali to understand how a person's energy functions best. She utilizes this knowledge to identify areas where a person might get stuck, understand their strengths, and make better decisions.
In her flow work, Ali applies this understanding to tailor strategies that align with each individual's energy profile. For example, she explained how 'mani gens' have abundant energy and enjoy a variety of creative activities, while 'projectors' have different energy levels and thrive in more guiding roles, often requiring more focus on rest and recovery. Through her insights into human design, Ali has been able to make significant transformations in her clients' approach to work and life, offering an extra layer of understanding to their unique energy dynamics.
The Four-Part Flow Cycle
Ali introduces a structured four-part cycle for entering flow:
Struggle: Setting a clear, challenging goal with a specific timeframe.
Release: Engaging in activities like walking or breathwork to alleviate tension.
Flow: Starting the work and letting your activity lead, keeping an eye out for distractions or discomfort as signals of exiting flow.
Recovery: Taking intentional breaks, not just sleep, but also short pauses throughout the day
The Universality and Importance of Rest
Flow, Ali notes, is not exclusive to high achievers; it's a universally attainable state. She likens mental breaks to physical rest, advocating for practices like yoga or stretching to give the mind a necessary respite. Rest and recovery are essential throughout the workday, not just after it's over, to sustain performance and well-being.
“So if you were going to the gym and working on your muscles, you take days off the gym”
she said. Ali suggests that activities like stretching or yoga, which are relaxing and calming, can be analogous to giving the mind a break. This is especially important considering the constant engagement our minds undergo during work, whether it's in front of a computer, interacting with clients, or managing various tasks.
Flow in Organizations and Workplaces
Ali observes a trend towards sustainable support in corporate coaching. The focus is on continuous coaching post-workshops, ensuring that concepts are actively applied. This approach, she believes, is key to fostering innovation and well-being in the workplace, positioning coaching as a vital component in organizational strategies.
As we wrap up, it’s pretty clear that this whole flow thing isn’t just about zoning out - it’s a game changer for how we live and work. Ali’s thrown some serious light on how we can get into this groove, mixing up doing stuff with some well-deserved chill time, and nudging ourselves just enough out of the comfy zone. This isn’t just for the high-flyers in their office towers; it’s for all of us, whether we’re typing away at a desk or daydreaming about our next big thing. So, as we head back to our daily grind, let’s keep Ali’s words in our back pocket. Here’s to making every day a little bit more about riding that flow wave – more growth, more fun, and definitely more 'aha!' moments. Let's make the most of the ride!
About Ali:
Ali Houston blends science with spirituality. As a coach and facilitator, Ali brings her expertise to empower individuals and teams, helping them uncover their unique desires and align with their life's purpose to enter the beautiful state of 'Flow.' Her approach isn't just about productivity; it's about thriving and experiencing job satisfaction through a growth mindset and motivation. With a keen eye on well-being, she advocates for effective recovery, recognizing its role in supporting you to live a sustainable, successful life.
Connect with Ali:
Website: alihouston.com
Instagram: @alihouston.itsyoualways
LinkedIn: Ali Houston
Janna Fuchs
Burnout and I are old friends, so I get that you are probably exhausted from being everything to everyone! In fact, I'm a recovering over-functioner myself, AND I've developed some seriously USEFUL strategies to catch the burnout cycle before it begins! Most importantly - I have learned to TRUST my voice and my "why" for redirecting my energy, harnessing my joy, and banishing my burnout. Now I'm ready to teach you how to do the same!🤗
Connect with me: