Flow, or the psychological conditions of enjoyment

Years ago (1992?) I heard a lecture on Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's concept of "Flow" -- the conditions under which people are happy and productive.  Some of those conditions were:

1. person given a chance to complete the task


2.  person given the opportunity to concentrate on the task w/out distractions


3. task has clear goals, clearly presented to the person


4. the task provides immediate feedback


5. the person's involvement is deep, but effortless


6. the person has a sense of being in control


7. the concern for the self disappears (but when the task/job is finished, the sense of self is enhanced or raised)


8. the sense of time duration is altered (time slip away)

Flow has also been described as being "in the groove" or "in the zone."

Crucial is the balance between the work/task/job (the challenge) and the skills/progress of the person (the success).  There should be a challenge, but one that is met.  There should be obstacles, but ones that are overcome.

When a person works in that "sweet spot" -- the balance between the challenge and the success -- his/her sense of enjoyment and satisfaction is maximized.