flow the psychology of optimal experience by mihaly csikszentmihalyi

Flow experience corresponds to an optimal psychophysical state: participants said it is like being in the zone, being on the ball, being in the groove. Flow refers to a state of mind which brings together cognitive, physiological and affective aspects. The concept of flow became the key element for the theory of optimal experience, since it provided the best user experience. It usually stretched the person's capacity and provided a challenge to his/her skills. The flow experience came when the activity was difficult and involved risk. Participants were motivated by the quality of the experience they had while they were engaged in the activity. He called this state flow, because during his research, people illustrated their intense experiences using the metaphor of being carried by a current like a river flows. He was surprised to discover that enjoyment did not result from relaxing or living without stress, but during these intense activities, in which their attention was fully absorbed. He considered artists, writers, athletes, chess masters, and surgeons – individuals who were involved in activities they preferred. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduced flow theory in the 1970s based on research examining people who did activities for pleasure, even when they were not rewarded with money or fame. Biasutti, in Encyclopedia of Creativity (Second Edition), 2011 Introduction **********************************************************************************************Ĭontrol of consciousness determines the quality of lifeĬombining over 40 years of ground-breaking research with practical advice, world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi reveals the key to optimal experience: flow.Īrguing that the human brain is most happy when engaged in the meaningful pursuit of a goal - anything from sport to learning a language, from enjoyable work to practising music - he demonstrates that the need to concentrate and lose yourself in the moment is the key to finding inner peace, happiness and order in the midst of our chaotic lives.M. 'If you are searching to add meaning to your life, or to gain more enjoyment from the life that you have, reading this book is a must' - ***** Reader review 'It will definitely help me structure and control my mind better' - ***** Reader review 'I actually struggled to put it down' - ***** Reader review 'Enlightening, thought-provoking, relevant' - ***** Reader review

'Mr Csikszentmihalyi illuminates the accuracy of what philosophers have been saying for centuries: that the way to happiness lies not in mindless hedonism but in mindful challenge' ? The New York Times

' has done more than anyone else to study this state of effortless attending' ? Daniel Kahneman, author of Thinking, Fast and Slow What really makes us feel glad to be alive? This classic work of psychology from world-renowned psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is your essential guide to unlocking a happier, more fulfilling state of being.

Flow the psychology of optimal experience by mihaly csikszentmihalyi