(Go with the) flow
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says flow is the secret to happiness. I agree. Not just because we were born in the same city (but not in the same country — Europe is fun like that sometimes).
I feel great when I achieve a state of flow. There’s no self-doubt or bad ideas. Creative juices are flowing, and I lose my sense of self. Hours feel like minutes.
The joy of doing is all there is. And then… I’m interrupted.
That creative energy is all gone now. Research says it’s gonna take me at least 23 minutes to get it back. The needs of others pulled me out faster than the rising inflation.
Interruptions suck. They’re a surprise I never asked for. Like an air horn prank, I never see them coming.
I tried to push back. Blocked my time. Stick to my schedule. Said no. Turned off the phone. Removed distractions. All sound advice from a long list.
And none of it worked when my kids stormed my home office. Following the usual productivity advice made me feel worse instead.
I’ve tried it all during the pandemic. Kids bulldozed through whatever strategy I deployed. Faced with their “here” and “now” needs, my wisdom and wit crumbled.
It took me a while, but I figured it out. Mark Manson is right — I must let go to get what I want.
When kids are at home, I go with the flow. Interruptions are no longer a surprise — I expect them. They can’t sucker-punch me when I see them coming.
By letting go, I’ve regained control. Now, I can carve my time in between.
And I don’t need 23 minutes or so to refocus anymore.