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Psychology of Optimal Experience

Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

Using different case studies, Mihaly looks at ways that we can enter and make the most of Flow – as workers, and as individuals. The ultimate goal? To enrich our lives by getting engaged in things we love doing. Instead of getting hung up with boredom, or frustrated by over-complicated challenges, doing the things we enjoy most within the Flow zone helps us tap into the greater meaning in life.

Csikszentmihalyi also gives us a wealth of examples of how people use Flow to order our conscious minds, bringing us a sense that we have control over our inner happiness. By directing our own optimal experiences, we attain a kind of mastery.

The Flow State Chart and Scale

Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow State Chart

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow state chart (not to be confused with a regular flow chart) is based on his years of research that began, as noted, back in the ‘60s. Sometimes called the Flow Model, eight different zones are depicted as shown below.

The key dimensions to consider here, as we mentioned, can be seen in the axes of the chart from Csikszentmihalyi’s (1998) book Finding Flow – perceived challenge-skill balance (or ratio). When these are both at an optimal, high level, conditions are ideal for entering a Flow state.