That is the tricky part. This depends on your individual preferences and on the activity you are performing. The way into flow will of course differ if you are fighting your way through a 100-page document or if you are performing a physical activity. You can get there through meditation for example or by listening to music (but of course you cannot always do that at work). Unfortunately there is now one-size-fits all rule. Everybody needs to find their own way into the flow. Try to notice when you are in flow and try to remember what exactly you did to get there. Often you will not notice immediately that you are in flow and will only realise later on once you "awaken" from it.
I, for example, have my routine in the morning when I arrive at the office: I get a cup of coffee and go through my emails. Then I decide what task I will start with[1]. I get a second cup of coffee, put on the music on my headphones and by the time I have downed my second cup I know I am in flow – provided of course I can limit the distractions.
Unfortunately it can be hard to get into flow, but very easy to be thrown out of it. I also like to give myself a deadline and define small goals throughout the day. For example if I have to review and agreement, I will give myself 1 hour to do so. If in the end it takes me longer it does not matter. The point is just to create a healthy amount of positive stress. That is the "challenge", the fourth characteristic of the flow.
You should know that before getting into flow there is often a phase of "struggle". That means that at the beginning it can be difficult to get started. You might know that feeling from jogging. The first steps are often the most difficult and during the first 5 to 10 minutes you are considering turning around and going back home. Without noticing it though it gets easier and easier and before you know it you are in flow, which is when it feels easy.
Also, flow does not equal flow. Rather there are different levels of flow. You can be in a light flow stage where you might still let in the occasional distraction. Or you can be in a total flow state where you can eclipse anything that is not important. That is when you are at your best.
If you are interested in learning more about flow, read 'The Rise of Superman' by Steven Kotler.
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