Well, I'm hoping this will be the beginning of some more writing. I went to the gym and did a quick leg workout on saturday; and ever since have been quite sick. I'm coming around, although I didn't sleep at all last night. Not a good start on my new year's resolution to sleep more. Oh well, that's what tomorrow is for. Always believe it.
A friend just finished up a masters degree in Psychology and shared a very interesting paper with me on the subject of "Flow." This could be described to most people as being in the zone. The research noted that flow is most likely to occur at a point where someone is challenging themselves at a high level, has a clear understanding of their goal(s), and is confident they can achieve with their given (or sometimes only perceived) skills.
Looking at this research explains to me some of the phenomena of how a slower, chubbier kid (like me) with a ridiculously huge ego relative to actual physical talent was able to be successful in sports against much more athletic kids. Very few people seem willing to tell themselves that they can and should win because they may fail. The few who continue to tell themselves they're winners in spite of early failures are the truly successful. I believe this principle of perseverance applies to myriad areas of life.
Another interesting thought that flow brings about is how do we achieve an "in-the-zone" like state in our life? I'm not saying we should shut off our brains, but if one believes that they are truly designed for a purpose, but yet do not have clear goals, this state is nearly impossible to achieve. (e.g. "those who fail to plan plan to fail."). What do we do to truly harness all of our potential to truly live with purpose and passion?
