This might be obvious, but I perceive entering a state of flow as being in a position where I have contextualised and structured a good majority of the unknowns involved with the work that I am supposed to do. This might be more relevant for tasks that can be categorised as requiring some cerebral effort rather than being monotone. I have noticed that most distractions during a state of flow are triggered when I could have structured the unknowns better. Understanding this was key for me to not lambast myself whenever I lose my focus. It's a fine balance between knowing beforehand everything you need to do and leaving enough unknowns to keep things interesting. Can always get better at this skill.
I'm curious-- when you say structuring the unknown, do you mean having certainty with regards to carrying out the task or with grappling with its subject matter?
Very insightful!
This might be obvious, but I perceive entering a state of flow as being in a position where I have contextualised and structured a good majority of the unknowns involved with the work that I am supposed to do. This might be more relevant for tasks that can be categorised as requiring some cerebral effort rather than being monotone. I have noticed that most distractions during a state of flow are triggered when I could have structured the unknowns better. Understanding this was key for me to not lambast myself whenever I lose my focus. It's a fine balance between knowing beforehand everything you need to do and leaving enough unknowns to keep things interesting. Can always get better at this skill.
I'm curious-- when you say structuring the unknown, do you mean having certainty with regards to carrying out the task or with grappling with its subject matter?
Grappling with its subject matter.