Flow like a river, ideas and production.
The “state of flow” is that elusive zone of peak productivity and deep focus. Like obscenity, it’s hard to define but you know it when you see it. Or like alchemy, it’s something everyone wants, but nobody knows how to achieve.
Well, maybe some people do. In fact, a lot of successful professionals need to get into a state of flow to get their best work done. So we asked them: “What is a “state of flow” in your work experience, and what is one way to achieve it? Could be artistic, coding, marketing, construction, finance–whatever field you’re in.” These professionals, from marketers and data analysts to entrepreneurs and lawyers, share their personal insights into what triggers this state for them. They reveal the strategies they employ to achieve it, from balancing challenge and skill to finding meaning in their work and eliminating distractions. Discover how these individuals harness the power of flow to enhance their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and overall performance in their respective fields.
Create Real, Effective Systems
I get into flow state when building systems that actually work. Not the theoretical “perfect process” BS – real, messy systems that make money.
Example: Lost my job and most clients in the same month. Instead of following the “hustle harder” advice, I spent a week building a content system for my one remaining client. Track what content gets engagement, analyze why, build more of that. No fancy tools, just a spreadsheet and obsessive attention to patterns.
Here’s how to actually do it: Pick ONE part of your business. Could be lead gen, could be client onboarding, whatever. Map out every step of how it works right now – even if it’s bad. Actually better if it’s bad. Now break out a timer and spend 90 minutes trying to make each step flow into the next. Not reading about it. Not watching YouTube videos about it.
Actually doing it.
That’s where flow hits. When you’re so deep in solving a real problem that your coffee goes cold and your phone dies in your pocket. Want more leads? Build a system. Client work taking too long? Build a system. Just stop reading about other people’s systems and build your own. The flow state comes from watching your own stuff work.
Tim Hanson, CCO, Penfriend
Balance Challenge with Skill Level
In my digital marketing career, getting into the “state of flow” feels like stepping into a zone where creativity and focus meet. It’s that sweet spot where time disappears and you’re fully in the zone. For me, this happens when I work on tasks that are balanced between my skill level and the complexity of the challenge. Take, for example, crafting a marketing strategy for a new client. If the task is too easy-like repurposing a generic approach-it’s boring and my mind starts to wander. On the flip side, if the project is too hard-like tackling a completely new market without research-it’s easy to get frustrated and stuck. But when the challenge is just right-hard enough to push my creativity and problem-solving skills but within my expertise-I get in the flow. One way I’ve found to achieve this balance is by breaking down big, complex tasks into smaller steps and making sure I’m prepared before I start. For example, when launching a multi-platform ad campaign I break it down into: audience research, content creation, budget allocation, and performance tracking. By focusing on one piece at a time I can build momentum and feel a sense of accomplishment, keeping the process challenging but not overwhelming. Another key factor is minimizing distractions. Flow requires uninterrupted focus so I set clear boundaries-whether it’s silencing notifications, blocking out specific times in my schedule or even putting on noise-canceling headphones. These habits make it easier to stay in the zone once I’ve started. The best part of working in this state isn’t just about getting more done-it’s about the feeling of it. When you’re in flow you’re not just checking boxes, you’re fully in, creating work that matters. And for me, that’s when digital marketing stops being a job and becomes an art.
Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Icy Tales
Analyze Data for Peak Performance
In my experience, a state of flow occurs when all elements of a task align perfectly, allowing me to immerse myself fully and solve problems or innovate without unnecessary disruptions. I think finding flow is crucial in this industry, where efficiency and precision directly impact customer satisfaction and profitability.
For me personally, flow often comes when I’m analyzing fleet data to predict and prepare for peak demand periods. To achieve it, I block off time to focus exclusively on reviewing metrics like vehicle utilization rates, average trip durations, and maintenance intervals. For example, when fleet utilization consistently exceeds 90%, it signals the need to either expand capacity or adjust pricing to balance supply and demand. By focusing entirely on these numbers without distractions, I’ve been able to implement changes that reduce downtime by 15% while increasing revenue per vehicle by 10% during peak seasons.
James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire]
Find Meaning in Your Work
For me, it’s when I’m fully immersed in the work I love—creating, building, and nurturing Aura.life. It’s not just about ticking off tasks; it’s about feeling energized and completely engaged. When I’m in that zone, time seems to disappear. Hours can pass, and I won’t even notice because I’m so focused on the possibilities, the challenges, and the purpose behind what I’m doing.
Achieving flow starts with finding meaning in your work. For me, Aura is deeply personal. It was born out of a desire to not just survive but to thrive, and that’s what keeps me going. It’s my way of turning adversity into something that impacts others positively. Every step, from the initial Crowdcube campaign to watching our investors’ faith pay off tenfold, has been a part of this journey.
Another key to flow is removing distractions. When I set aside time to work on Aura, I protect that time fiercely. Whether it’s designing new features or planning the next big step for our business, I’m all in. And I think that’s the secret—finding work that feels bigger than yourself and then giving it your undivided attention.
Flow doesn’t just happen; you cultivate it by doing what matters most to you and by building an environment that supports your focus. It’s a mindset, a commitment, and a deep connection to the work that sparks joy and purpose. For me, Aura and the people it touches are what make that state of flow possible.
Paul Jameson, Founder, Aura Funerals
Start with a Clear Problem Definition
I find my state of flow when I am knee-deep in refining machine learning models for SEO optimization. There is something about tweaking an algorithm, running tests, and seeing measurable improvements in ranking performance that completely absorbs me. One trick I use to get into this zone faster is starting with a clear problem definition. If I try to work without an explicit goal, distractions creep in. But if I state, “I need to improve our keyword clustering by 15% accuracy,” I can fully commit to that single task without my mind jumping to other things.
Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO
Build Strategic Action Plans
In my experience, creating streamlined processes and anticipating challenges are key to managing large-scale initiatives. I believe that achieving a state of flow during critical planning or operational work can transform overwhelming tasks into highly productive sessions.
For me personally, I find a state of flow when I’m building strategic action plans for large homeowner outreach campaigns. It happens when I’m deeply focused on data analysis, like identifying neighborhoods with the highest hurricane risk and prioritizing those areas for program implementation.
To get into this state, I set aside specific blocks of time with all tools and data prepped beforehand—metrics like historical storm damage figures or average roof upgrade costs are front and center. During one focused planning session, I was able to identify high-risk zones and coordinate outreach efforts, which increased homeowner participation rates by 25% in those areas within just two months.
Victor Hernandez, COO, Hurricane Safety Program
Review Reports for Relevant Content
I hit a state of flow when I am writing an in-depth fishing guide or working on a campaign that captures the excitement of the sport. When I am fully engaged, I don’t even realize how much time is passing. One way I get there is by reviewing fishing reports or past tournament data before I start. Seeing real-world patterns in what lures worked, which lakes produced, and how conditions affected the bite helps me craft more relevant content, and before I know it, I am locked in.
Wesley Littlefield, Marketing Manager, Anglers
Draft Legal Strategies for Complex Cases
My work requires balancing the demands of intense preparation, strategic thinking, and adaptability. In my opinion, achieving a state of flow is essential for tackling these high-stakes challenges, especially when dealing with intricate legal matters or negotiating critical settlements. For me personally, I experience a state of flow when drafting legal strategies for complex litigation cases. It happens during those moments when I’m analyzing every detail—contracts, depositions, and precedents—and everything starts connecting in a cohesive way. To get there, I create a distraction-free workspace and ensure I have all necessary materials organized before starting. During one major case, I focused intensely on reviewing over 1,000 pages of client records and distilled key points in just two days, which expedited case preparation by nearly 30%. In my experience, the clarity that comes from this focused immersion often leads to stronger arguments and better outcomes for my clients.
Nate Baber, Partner and Lawyer, InjuredCT
Cultivate Your Own State of Flow
These diverse perspectives reveal that the “state of flow” isn’t a magical accident but a cultivated skill. While the triggers and strategies may vary across professions, common threads emerge: the importance of focus, the balance of challenge and skill, the power of meaningful work, and the necessity of minimizing distractions.
By understanding these principles and experimenting with the techniques shared here, you can unlock your own potential for deep work, enhanced creativity, and ultimately, greater fulfillment in your chosen field. So whether you’re an artist, a nurse, a baseball player, or a fractional CMO, these techniques can help you get you where you want to be.