The Art of Finding Flow

Flow is where your art becomes alive.

That Magical Feeling

Have you ever lost track of time while creating? Maybe it was while reading, writing, dancing, playing music or duh, even coding or analyzing, or creating a gift for someone. Hours slipped by, and the world around you faded. All that existed was the action in front of you and the joy of doing it.

That’s what we call flow. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (you'll find a banger mnemonic to finally pronounce it correctly at the end of this text;)), who first coined the term in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (must read for deeper self-understanding!), described it as a state of total immersion in an activity, where time feels irrelevant, and your mind and body work in perfect harmony.

However, keep in mind - anything that is rewarding doesn't happen overnight. Feeling of flow is EXTREMELY rewarding, therefore, needs a little bit of effort. It (unfortunately, or actually, fortunately) doesn’t just “happen.” It’s not some mystical state reserved for the lucky or the talented. It’s something you can create for yourself—every single day and I, from the bottom of my heart, recommend you to do so.

Why You Struggle toFind Flow

Why does it feel so elusive sometimes? You sit down to create, but distractions creep in. You feel uninspired, unmotivated, or simply stuck. Csikszentmihalyi explains that flow emerges in a sweet spot—when the challenge of a task is just slightly beyond your current skill level.

Too easy? You’ll get bored.

Too hard? You’ll feel frustrated.

And here’s the twist: flow isn’t about being perfect at what you do. It’s about surrendering to the process. Steven Kotler, in The Rise of Superman, points out that flow thrives when we let go of our inner critic and fully commit to the moment. That means turning off your phone, silencing your doubts, and diving in without hesitation.

Flow as Creative Freedom

Flow is where art stops being work and starts being alive. It’s where your creativity feels effortless, like the art is pouring out of you instead of being forced.

In his book Stealing Fire, Jamie Wheal explains that flow is a state where your brain’s inner chatter quiets, and you can fully focus. It’s not just about productivity—it’s about joy. That sense of losing yourself in the moment? That’s what makes creativity addictive, healing, and transformative.

So how to access Flow?

Let’s break down how you can find flow in your practice of...basically anything.

1. Set Clear Goals for Your Session

Start small. Decide what you want to accomplish—maybe it’s sketching an outline, writing 500 words, or experimenting with colors. Having a clear purpose focuses your mind.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Turn off notifications, clear your workspace, and create a ritual that signals “it’s time to create/think/be focused.” (try to avoid the word "work" if you atribute rather negative feelings to this word). For some, it might be a cup of tea or a playlist; for others, it’s simply deep breaths to reset.

3. Push Your Boundaries

Challenge yourself with something slightly outside your comfort zone. If it feels too easy, raise the stakes. If it feels overwhelming, break it into smaller steps.

How this can look like? For example, a musician might tackle a complex piece slightly beyond their comfort zone, breaking it into smaller sections and playing it faster during practice to stay fully engaged. A public speaker could volunteer to address a larger audience than ever before, using preparation and adrenaline to maintain focus. An artist might set an ambitious goal, like completing a mural under a tight deadline, experimenting with new techniques to stretch their creative limits. Physical challenges, like running a marathon at a faster pace than usual, also push you into flow by demanding complete presence. Even problem-solving, like coding with limited tools under a deadline, can spark flow by forcing innovation and intense focus.

The key is finding that sweet spot where the task is neither too easy nor overwhelmingly hard, keeping you fully immersed, motivated, and in the zone.

4. Try a Flow Breathing Exercise

Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts.

Repeat for one minute, focusing only on your breath.

This helps calm your nervous system and prepares you to focus.

Flow is Where the Magic Happens

Flow is your creative superpower. It’s where doubts dissolve, time disappears, and your art comes to life. But more than that, flow reminds us why we create in the first place—not for the outcome, but for the sheer joy of doing.

So, next time you feel stuck, remember: flow isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create.

“Flow is where your art becomes alive.”

For You and the Community

Your challenge today: set aside 30 minutes to create something. Find your flow, even if it’s just for a moment. And when you do, share it with us! Use #ArtCheckout and let’s celebrate the magic of creating together.

Follow us on Instagram @ArtCheckout for more tips, inspiration, and a community of artists ready to cheer you on. Together, we’ll flow toward greatness.

OH! And how is the pronouciation, right? Look, this is with all the respect to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, but with his name in mind, he also has to admit, that even a mnemonic like this just has to be appropriate here.

Thank you for coming by and being curious❤️

With love, Meda.