Finding the flow: The ultimate state of peak performance

We have already explored how boredom triggers divergent thinking and how we use convergent thinking to pick our best ideas. But there is a final stage in the productivity cycle where the work feels like it is doing itself.

In this lesson, we dive into the “effortless effort” of the flow state. Based on the insights of peak performance expert Steven Kotler in his book The Art of Impossible and the “Father of Flow,” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, we will learn how to trigger deep focus and why it is the key to mastering the English language.

This article is designed as a guide for teachers, but it is equally valuable for independent students.

What is the flow state?

As Steven Kotler explains, flow is an “altered state of consciousness” where we become so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter. In the video below, Kotler describes it as a state of rapt attention and total absorption.

Watch: The science of peak performance

Vocabulary and idioms from the zone

To master this topic, you need the right language. We have broken this down into three sections: core video terms, extension words, and natural phrases.

Core vocabulary

These words come directly from the video. To help learners, they should have these ahead of class to better understand the speaker’s points.

Extension vocabulary (Level up your English)

These terms are for extending the conversation. Students and teachers do not necessarily need to memorize these, but they help expand the understanding of the “flow state.”

• Cognitive load: The total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory.
• Equilibrium: A state in which opposing forces or influences are balanced.
• Neurotransmitter: A chemical substance released at the end of a nerve fiber (e.g., Dopamine).
• Frictionless: Moving without difficulty; easy and smooth.
• Diminish: To make or become less.
• Optimal: Best or most favorable.
• Stagnation: The state of not flowing or moving; lack of activity or growth.
• Altruistic: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
• Commonality: The state of sharing features or attributes.
• Amplify: To make something larger, louder, or more powerful.

Key phrases and idioms from the video

• Effortless effort: Doing something difficult in a way that looks or feels easy.
• In the zone: A state of perfect focus (commonly used in sports).
• Robot mode: Doing a task automatically without thinking about your surroundings.
• Rapt attention: Completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing.
• The challenge-skills balance: The “Golden Rule” where the task is just hard enough.
• Stretch but not snap: Pushing yourself to improve without causing a breakdown.
• Focus for free: Paying attention naturally because of curiosity, without using “willpower.”
• Off the charts: Much better than the usual or expected level.

How to trigger flow: A guide for ESL students

According to research, there are 22 flow triggers. Here are the most important ones to help you achieve fluency:

Use your biology

Are you a night owl or an early bird? Steven Kotler wakes up at 3:30 AM because that is his peak “physiology.” Avoid studying English when your brain is tired. Find your peak energy time and block out 90 to 120 minutes for uninterrupted concentration.

Practice distraction management

If you are interrupted by a text message or a knock at the door, it can take 15 minutes to get back into flow—if you can get back in at all. Turn off your phone and close unnecessary tabs to minimize friction. To protect your concentration, many high-performers use noise-canceling headphones or physical productivity timers to signal to others—and their own brains—that they are in deep work mode.

The 4% rule (Stretch but don’t snap)

If an English book is too easy, you will get bored. If it is too hard, you will feel anxiety. To hit the “sweet spot,” choose material that is roughly 4% beyond your current level.

Lesson plan: Deep work in the classroom

Objective: Students will identify their own “flow triggers” and practice using the hierarchy of motivators to improve their English.

Activity 1: The motivation stack

Kotler identifies five motivators that work in a sequence. Ask students to rank their English journey using these five steps:

1. Curiosity: What specific part of English culture/language are you naturally interested in?
2. Passion: How can you turn that curiosity into a daily hobby?
3. Purpose: How will your English help other people or a larger cause?
4. Autonomy: What part of your learning do you want to control?
5. Mastery: What is the specific skill you want to be “best” at?

Activity 2: Group flow (Discussion)

“Group flow” is the shared collective version of a flow state.

• Prompt: Have you ever participated in a group project or a sport where the whole team was “in the zone”?
• Task: Create a list of “Classroom Rules for Group Flow” (e.g., No phones, immediate feedback, shared goals).

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Recommended resources for peak performance

If you want to dive deeper into the science of the creativity loop and flow, we recommend these essential tools:

• Deep Work by Cal Newport: The definitive guide to distraction-free productivity.
• High-performance journals: For tracking your 4% “stretch” goals and daily flow triggers.
• Blue light blocking glasses: To protect your “physiology” and sleep cycles when working late or early.