Revealed: The Sporting 'Zone' and 'Flow State' Doesn't Exist!!

The Zone or Flow State Just Doesn't Exist! 

You may have heard someone say that before and much has been written as to whether being in the zone or flow state really exists. So, does it really exist? If it does, just what is it? How do you enter it? and how would you know whether you were in it or not? The answers are contained within today's article.

I've spoken to many people who claim to have been in the zone and I myself have experienced it, which you can read about below. Let's first answer: Does it really exist? The answer is yes but maybe not as you think.

Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi  (pronounced as ‘Cheeks-Sent-Me-High’), renowned psychologist, described 'flow' or 'being in the zone' when he said "being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz. Your whole being is involved, and you're using your skills to the utmost."

Now, I ask you, how many times have you been in such a state? Probably more than you think, regardless of whether it was in sport or not. It's the state that you find yourself in, when you are completely absorbed in an activity and completely focussed.

For a sportsperson, it is a place that you often want to be, isn't it? So how do you get there? Once experienced, many try to replicate the circumstances to get back into their zone.

This is not always possible however, so I'm providing the list of the main factors that you may need to get into 'flow'.

• Clear and attainable goals are being pursued.
• Intense concentration and narrow focus of attention.
• Distorted sense of time in that you become less aware of the passage of time.
• The activity provides immediate feedback in terms of success. This enables immediate adjustments and changes to be made.
• The activity is sufficiently challenging – neither too easy nor too difficult.
• You have a sense of personal control over the activity.
• The process of being involved in the activity is intrinsically rewarding so it will feel effortless.
• You will become unaware of other needs e.g. feelings of tiredness, thirst or hunger will go unnoticed.

Be aware though, when you are in flow, you will not be consciously aware of it. It's not until you 'come out of it', that you will realise that you were in it! That's not fair, I hear you cry out. True. But what an experience to have!

I vividly recall a particular time when I was in the zone whilst playing football. I remember having the feeling that time almost was standing still, to the point that I could read perfectly the movements of all the other players around me, no matter where on the field. I seemed to have so much time on the ball, even when under pressure from an opponent. What really stands out are the sounds; everything seemed almost muffled but still audible, like I was encapsulated within a free-flowing bubble. I felt like their was nothing I couldn't do. It was great!

As mentioned above, if the correct 'ingredients' are present, flow can be experienced by anyone. If you were to think, right now, and imagine, in what situations would you like to get into your 'zone', what would they be? What would it feel like? What would you see and hear?

So, flow state/ the zone does indeed exist and it is an amazing place to be!