Revisiting Flow

MihalyCsikszentmihalyi, in the first chapter of his audiobook on flow, mentions that happiness goes beyond material well being.  It is great that since the publication of that book we have mental models like PERMA, Martin Seligman’s model that underpins subjective well being.  Subjective well being, as a term, describes a state beyond the smiley face of happiness.  It captures what the Greeks termed eudaimonia.

PERMA is an acronym that spells positive affect; engagement; relationships; meaning; and finally, achievement.  Engagement is typified by flow.  Flow defines a state of rapt attention where the sense of time disappears and we are fully enmeshed into what we are doing.  It is no surprise that flow is a big chunk of what brings us subjective well being.

Flow demands that we set ourselves stretch goals and map out our execution strategies.  A core part of these strategies is establishing frequent feedbacks to ensure that we are aligned with our goals and tracking to achieve them.  These goals have to resonate with meanings that align with our values.  Our time on this earth is rendered beautiful through such teleolic endeavors steeped with deep meaning.

I am relishing this audiobook.  Hopefully I will be done with my second reading by the end of this week.  For me, digesting the contents fulfill my human needs for Setting meaningful targets, worthy battles as I come to terms with novel ways of looking at life, and finally enjoy a sense of achievement at the end of my second reading.