Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience BY MIHALY CSIKSZENTMIHALYI Its tough to find abetter argument for working hard at something you love than Csikszentmihalyi’s landmark book on optimal experiences Flow describes those exhilarating moments when we feel in control, full of purpose, and in the zone. And it reveals how people have turned even the most unpleasant tasks into enjoyable, rewarding challenges. Type I Insight: Contrary to what we usually believe . . . the best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times—although such experiences can also be enjoyable, if we have worked hard to attain them. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to the limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” For more of Csikszentmihalyi’s ideas, checkout three of his other books: Finding Flow The Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention; and the classic Beyond Boredom and Anxiety Experiencing Flow in Work and Play.
