How To Work In A ‘Superhuman’ State For 2–4 Hours A Day (Science-Based Approach)
Eliminate these 3 flow ‘blockers’ to unlock peak mental performance
Measuring your productivity in terms of how many hours you work is completely outdated.
In today’s knowledge economy, our work is no longer linear.
Two hours of work in a state of deep focus and mental clarity can produce 100 hours’ worth of value.
But eight hours spent sitting behind your desk being tired and distracted produces pretty much zero hours’ worth of value.
When it comes to knowledge work, the depth of your focus, mental clarity, creativity, and cognitive performance matters far more than the number of hours you work.
This is why learning to access the flow state is such an important skill.
Flow State = Peak Mental Performance
The flow state is a state of neurobiological peak performance where we tap into our brain’s full productivity potential.
As Steven Kotler, author of The Rise of Superhuman, wrote:
“When in flow, mental and physical ability go through the roof, and the brain takes in more information per second, processing it more deeply.”
Neuroscientists have discovered that, during flow, brain wave activity shifts from high Beta waves to Alpha/Theta waves.
In this brain wave frequency:
- Information is absorbed more efficiently
- Problem-solving capacity skyrockets
- Creative breakthroughs flow effortlessly
- We’re deeply focused and immersed in a task/activity
Because of this shift in brain wave frequency, we truly enter a different mental zone.
(That’s why people often refer to the flow state as “being in the zone”.)
But unfortunately, people rarely get to experience the power flow nowadays.
That’s primarily because of three flow ‘blockers’ that are highly common in our modern-day lifestyles:
- Digital Distractions
- Internal Distractions
- Brain Fog
If you don’t deal with all three of these flow ‘blockers’ (and most people don’t), getting into flow is practically impossible.
Flow Blocker #1: Digital Distractions
Digital distractions like our smartphones, notifications, social media, Netflix, and video games have become more stimulating, intrusive, and addictive than ever before.
They’re one of the main reasons why people have trouble getting into the flow state.
Neuroscientists have found the brain needs at least 22 minutes free from distractions and interruptions before it can shift into a flow state.
However, research by RescueTime found the average knowledge worker gets interrupted every 6 minutes by a digital distraction.
In other words, most people operate in a state of constant distraction — which blocks them from entering the flow state.
The antidote is to deal with potential distractions before you start working.
(If you have to react to a distraction, it’s already too late.)
Put your phone out of sight, turn notifications off, download app/website blockers, and listen to focus music with noise-cancelling headphones.
Minimize digital distractions to maximize focus and flow.
Flow Blocker #2: Internal Distractions
It’s not just digital distractions blocking us from entering flow, but also internal distractions:
- Mind-racing thoughts
- Stress, worries, or anxiety
- A busy, cluttered mind
A Harvard study found we spend roughly 47% of our waking hours with a distracted, wandering mind.
And a distracted, wandering mind can’t enter flow.
As Naval Ravikant said, “If you want to operate at peak performance, you have to learn how to tame your mind.”
To boost your mental clarity and decrease mind-racing thoughts, habits such as meditation, breathwork, and journaling can be helpful.
Flow Blocker #3: Brain Fog
Brain fog is this clouded mental state that goes along with:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Forgetfulness
- Confusion
- Lack of mental clarity
- Slow or sluggish thinking
- Feeling easily distracted
- Finding it difficult to put your thoughts into words
When you suffer from brain fog (which a lot of people do), getting into flow will be difficult.
Your mind needs to be sharp, energized, and clear to get into flow and operate at peak performance.
To prevent brain fog, prioritize habits such as sleep, exercise, hydration, and stress management.
