As we move through January into mid-February, hope for spring tickles the corners of our minds. It’s a time of reflection with heavy doses of possibilities; what rebirth or new opportunities will spring bring? In reflecting on career evolution, now might be a time to think about “career flow states” and how you can achieve them.
Achieving a flow state as a lawyer, like in any other profession, involves getting fully immersed in your work to the point where you lose track of time and become highly productive and focused. Here are some signs and tips to help you recognize and attain a flow state as a lawyer:
- Deep Concentration: You’re fully immersed in your legal work, and your attention is solely on the task at hand. You’re not easily distracted by external factors or inner thoughts. The work or legal task at hand energizes you.
- Time Distortion: You lose track of time. Hours can pass without you realizing it because you’re so absorbed in your work.
- Effortless Skill: You feel that completing tasks or projects comes naturally to you. Your legal knowledge and skills flow effortlessly; you’re not struggling or second-guessing yourself.
- Clear Goals: You clearly understand what needs to be accomplished. Whether structuring a transaction, drafting a document, or preparing for a trial, you know your objectives.
- Immediate Feedback: You receive immediate feedback on your work, which allows you to make continuous adjustments and improvements.
- Loss of Self-Consciousness: You’re not overly self-aware or worried about how others perceive you. Your focus is on the work itself.
- Intrinsic Motivation: You’re motivated or excited by the work, finding it inherently rewarding and satisfying. External rewards or pressures take a back seat.
To achieve a flow state as a lawyer:
- Set Clear Goals: Clearly define your tasks and objectives. Having a specific goal in mind can help you stay focused and engaged.
- Challenge Yourself: Flow often occurs when working on tasks just slightly beyond your current skill level. Push yourself to tackle challenging legal problems.
- Minimize Distractions: Create a quiet and organized workspace to minimize interruptions. Turn off notifications on your devices, and consider using website blockers to prevent distractions.
- Manage Stress: High stress levels (personal or professional) can hinder flow. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation to stay calm and focused.
- Build Expertise: Continuously develop your legal knowledge and skills. The more confident you are in your abilities, the easier it is to achieve flow.
- Set Aside Dedicated Time: Allocate specific blocks of time for deep, focused work. This can help you get into a flow more quickly than if you’re constantly switching between tasks.
Reflect and Iterate: After a flow experience, reflect on what worked well and what didn’t. Use this feedback to improve your workflow and set the stage for future flow states. In reflection, highlight new skills or competencies that gave you energy, stimulated or stretched your intellect, or gave you satisfaction and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Reflection and iteration are the secrets to future or continued success. How do you hone the skillset or area of expertise further? Where else or how else might you leverage the learnings? Are there other applications inside or outside work, such as a not-for-profit board?
Achieving a flow state is a profoundly individual experience. It’s like having your insides and outsides aligned with achieving your values or goals. It is a profoundly gratifying experience, personally and professionally. Finding the best conditions for you as a lawyer may take some experimentation. It’s also essential to strike a balance, as constant immersion in a flow state may lead to burnout. Be mindful of your well-being and take intentional breaks.
Enjoy the flow or burst of energy, information, clarity of your values and goals, and the higher level exchange of information with those around you.
