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THE THEORY OF FLOW: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE CHAPTER - 02

  ***Continued from Chapter 01 (Covered previously: What is Flow, Benefits of Flow, The Neuroscience of Flow, Attaining a Flow State, Flow State Triggers) Link to Chapter 01: https://conceptsnest.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-theory-of-flow-understanding.html The Importance of Flow in the Workplace In the workplace, Flow has huge implications for productivity. We’ve all heard the old adage  pick a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life . In the reality of the 21st century, however, distractions abound. From buzzing telephones to constant email notifications, we’re much better equipped to focus on and enjoy the tasks at hand if we can enter a Flow state. There are many benefits that Flow can have in the workplace – starting with faster learning .  Flow even has implications for how we tackle our approach to innovation . These aren’t unrelated to the concept of faster learning, either. As entering and attaining a Flow state is closely linked to our  awareness , being ‘i

THE THEORY OF FLOW: UNDERSTANDING THE SCIENCE OF OPTIMAL EXPERIENCE CHAPTER - 01

                                     We've all experienced moments where we are so completely absorbed in an activity that we lose track of time and feel a sense of fulfillment and joy . This state of consciousness is called flow, and it has been studied extensively in the fields of psychology, performance, and well-being. Imagine running a cross country route. Our attention is focused on the movements of our body, the power of our muscles, the force of our lungs, and the feel of the ground beneath our feet. We are living in the moment, utterly absorbed in the present activity. Time seems to fall away. We are tired, but barely notice. This is an example of state of flow. What is Flow? Flow is a state of consciousness characterized by complete absorption in an activity, a sense of control, and an intense focus on the present moment . Flow typically occurs during activities that are challenging but not too difficult, and that provide a clear sense of progress or feedback. Durin

RELEVANCE OF MYTHOLOGY: BEHAVIOURAL LESSONS FROM ICARUS/ JATAYU

  Tales from the Mythology & Us Sometimes, the mythology that resounds with us the most reveals much about where we are in life. How we interpret the ancient stories reveals more about our internal struggles than the motives of the authors who lived thousands of years ago. Mythology is a fascinating topic that has captivated people for centuries. It is the study of traditional stories, legends, and folklore that have been passed down from generation to generation. While many may believe that mythology is a relic of the past, it is still very relevant today. Firstly, mythology helps us understand our cultural heritage . Every culture has its own unique set of myths and legends that define its identity. These stories provide us with a glimpse into the beliefs, values, and customs of our ancestors. Secondly, mythology can help us understand ourselves . Many of the stories found in mythology are allegories that explore the human experience. They can provide us with insights into

EMBRACING AUTHENTICITY AT WORK: KEY BEHAVIORS, BENEFITS, AND POTENTIAL PITFALLS

  Authenticity is surely the buzzword of the past year and much has been written recently about bringing our “whole” selves to work. But what does it look like in practice to “be real” in a professional setting?  And is it truly advisable? And if so, for whom? It sure has its positives . It does increase our overall well-being and happiness, creates psychological safety that strengthens relationships, leads to higher job satisfaction, and gives rise to undeniable improvements in productivity.    Firstly, authenticity can sometimes be seen as unprofessional . In many workplaces, there is an expectation of maintaining a certain level of decorum and professionalism. This can include things like dressing appropriately, using proper language, and behaving in a certain way. If someone prioritizes authenticity over professionalism, they may come across as unprofessional, which can be detrimental to their career. Secondly, authenticity can sometimes lead to oversharing . In an effort to be

ATTITUDE VS. EXPERIENCE: WHICH IS MORE VALUABLE?

  A debate about hiring for attitude versus aptitude has developed over the years. Nearly every job posting includes the type of experience an employer is seeking, which makes sense considering that companies want to locate applicants who have already demonstrated a certain level of skill in that particular industry or role.  Both the experience (hard skills) and the attitude (soft skills) are given high priority in the initial job requirements. The debate comes to light during the interview and hiring process. Although the initial requirements highlight soft skills and personality traits as important parts of the job applicant’s qualifications, during interviews, many hiring managers focus on hard skills and experience because they are easier to discuss and judge. As a result, many applicants end up being hired based exclusively on their experience rather than on their attitude. Is it better to hire people on the basis of their experience or their potential? If we believe experie