> _How To Unlock Insane Focus On Command_. Directed by Rian Doris, 2023. _YouTube_, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l86xggdQcKQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l86xggdQcKQ). # The four pillars of flow state ^4c64c3 1. Flow state is a state of consciousness that makes work feel effortless, and is behind the success of many high-performing individuals. 2. The four pillars of flow state are: flow blockers, flow proneness, flow triggers, and the flow cycle. ## Flow Blockers - Remove common sources of flow blockers, such as distractions from your phone (see [[The Internet is addictive]] and [[@riandorisHiddenForceThat2023|Harness the power of friction to optimize work sessions]]). - Practice "flow before phone": complete 2-3 hours of productive work before checking your phone. ## Flow Proneness - Increase your likelihood of accessing flow by optimizing your physiology, psychology, and environment. - Begin your most important work within 90 seconds of waking up, while your brain is still in a flow-friendly state (see [[@riandorisYourMorningRoutine2023|Start working first thing in the morning to enter flow]]). ## Flow Triggers - Utilize flow triggers such as clear goals, immediate feedback, and challenge-skill balance. - Apply these triggers to activities that may not naturally have them, like work tasks.- Engage in tasks that are about 4% more difficult than your current skill level. ## Flow Cycle - Understand that flow states operate like dimmer switches, not light switches. - Persist through the struggle phase by practicing task persistence and attention span stretching (see [[@riandorisHowGetAhead2023|Persist through the struggle phase to reach flow]]) - Allow yourself to release and recover after achieving flow, to replenish energy and integrate new knowledge or skills.