“Flow” for the Working Environment

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“Flow” for the working environment If we have optimal work experiences, we are more motivated to do good work, which also benefits the organization and our coworkers. Our satisfaction is energizing and self-perpetuating, and to improve the quality of life through work, two complementary strategies are necessary. Jobs should be redesigned so skills levels and challenges are high. This contributes to a more cheerful and active workforce, improved concentration, and greater creativity and satisfaction. Workers must define and develop self-directing, intrinsic goals. When we learn to recognize opportunities for action, hone our skills, set reachable goals, and immerse our concentration and focus in the present, we become more engaged at work and experience a state of “flow.” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990) Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi identified nine main elements that define the experience of flow at work: 1. Clear goals every step of the way 2. Immediate feedback on one’s actions 3. Balance between challenges and skills 4. A merging of action and awareness, with concentration focused on what we’re doing 5. Exclusion of other dimensions from consciousness to eliminate distraction 6. No fear of failure, as we’re focused on what has to be done 7. No self-consciousness or over-concern with ego 8. A distorted sense of time 9. Activity that becomes inherently enjoyable Clear goals every step of the way Clarify those goals you wish to accomplish and try to express why you want to accomplish them. You should always focus on those tasks and decisions that are made from the inside and not from the outside. A focus on the way you accomplish your goals is important, and a feeling of ownership means you are more strongly dedicated. Improve your capacity to maintain focus by avoiding goals which are unrealistic or unattainable, nor should they be
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