Flow is a question of mindset and attitude. In contrast to methods and tools, attitude cannot be implemented overnight.
Only constant confrontation allows it to seep into and integrate into daily life. For me, a few basic principles are helpful in this process, which constantly remind me of the essence and the points that are important to me. I will go into the individual points in more detail later, but I would like to provide an initial overview here:
- Seeing tasks as projects: I try to pack tasks into self-contained, finite units: projects. This applies to my professional topics as well as this blog or gardening. I also try to divide ongoing tasks into small project chunks. This has two essential advantages for me:
- I can determine exactly when a topic has been completed and react to long-timers.
- every project completion gives me a positive feeling.
- Flowfocus - Only do things that I like to do: I try to only do tasks that I enjoy and that give me pleasure. And the rest?
- Delegate, automate, optimize: The rest is delegated, automated and optimized as much as possible.
- Small steps and quick feedback: I try to start my projects as quickly as possible with small steps and use feedback to continuously adapt the path to the goal.
- Multitasking with a single focus: I allow myself to advance several projects at the same time. In my day-to-day work, however, I make sure that I stick to one topic for a long time and only change the topic once I have made significant progress. There are also no distractions during this time.
- Regular retrospectives: I regularly review my lists of tasks and my principles. I also regularly check my processes and workflows. Obsolete items are removed, priorities are reprioritized and points are refined. For me, this also means making decisions not to do certain things.
For me, the principles are not set in stone, but are more like guard rails that I can use as a guide. They have changed again and again in the past and will continue to do so. But just like the orientation towards these principles, this change and further development also allows me to stay in the flow.