Flow, or ‘being in the zone’, is a large part of high level sports performance. Being well trained and strategic isn’t enough to succeed. These athletes also need to find a way to be fully present mentally and physically during critical moments. 

So, just like training for strength or strategy, they also train to find their flow and maximize their potential.

But this post isn’t about training to be an pro athlete; it’s how learning and training concepts of flow can empower Software Engineers and professionals in the programming world write better code and make the most of their time.

a basic definition of flow: A cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity.

a basic formula to achieve flow: perceived low stakes outcome + full engagement in activity.

Flow is a skill, which if you’re just starting out can seem difficult to enter, even if the definition and formula are simple. But just like other skills, the more you train, the better you get at it.

One of the main reasons flow is important for programming and time management is concentration. Modern life has made increased the prevalence of distractions: notifications, apps, social media, endless scrolling, group chats, etc. Alone, these things aren’t bad, but they add up to make it harder to concentrate on complex tasks.

Imagine a professional basketball player standing at the free-throw line. They’ve practiced those shots thousands of times, but what often makes them miss isn’t lack of skill; it’s a distracted mind. Worries like ‘What if I miss?’ or ‘Everyone is relying on me to make this’ interfere with their ability to focus, leading to missed shots.

Similarly, even the most experienced programmers can make mistakes and waste time when their minds are distracted.

Dandapani, a recognized expert in concentration, emphasizes the need to practice and improve this skill.

What are my tips on practical ways to improve ability to leverage flow?:

• practice concentration throughout the day break down routine daily tasks like sleeping or eating meals and focus solely on the task. this includes rest
• set time restraints for deep work – work in a direction, and set a time limit. Instead of complete this business objective by EOD try work on this objective for the next hour straight, then see where it gets me. This also helps lower the stakes
• separate writing scripts from running scripts. Some tasks are complex, while others are more routine and simple. Flow is about allocating only the needed amount of energy. separate different time blocks for complex tasks than simple ones. after some time, you may learn to automate the simple tasks and permanently earn back your time and energy

Don’t just take it from me. Here are 3 other articles where software engineers are encourages to adopt flow for their work: 1. 2. 3.

To conclude, the benefits of understanding and applying the principles of flow in the world of software engineering and coding are immense. It’s a path to better concentration, enhanced productivity, and ultimately, more efficient code. So, no matter where you are on your coding journey, consider exploring these principles of flow to unlock your full coding potential.

Have questions or comments about the topic? Or want to share a similar experience? Leave a comment and I’ll reply