Over & underrated tactics for “getting in the zone”

“Getting in the zone” is the ultimate state we all want to reach when faced with a complex, demanding task. The “zone”, or frequently called “being in the flow state” is a state in which one’s productivity is at its highest, focus is clear, and concentration becomes the driving force.

The concept of the flow state was coined by the Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in his book Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. As Csikszentmihalyi suggests, while in the flow, people typically experience deep enjoyment, creativity, and total involvement with life.

So, the premise behind the flow state is that it grounds you in the present moment, allowing you to focus on what you are doing and ride the waves of productivity. That being said, to get in the zone, you need more than just willpower, as being in the present moment while working on a complex task in an office or from home can seem impossible due to all the distractions and interruptions.

Luckily for you, there are dozens of tips on how to reach the flow state. Some of them work, others don’t.

In this article, you’ll discover two overrated and two underrated tactics for getting in the zone and reaching greater accuracy, energy, and overall presence. At the end of the post, you’ll find a foolproof way to determine which habits and patterns push you out of the flow state.

Why is it so hard to get in the zone?

Believe it or not, there’s a reason your brain hates the flow state: it’s probably addicted to getting hits of dopamine after working for short periods of time or achieving even the most insignificant milestones.

Answer this question: how many times have you caught yourself checking your Instagram or TikTok while working on an important task? Five, ten, twenty times? Whatever the case may be, any number above zero is unacceptable.

The flow state requires no dopamine, just calm waters in which you swim effortlessly, reaching one milestone after another.

That’s why introducing small habits and patterns to your daily routine is important; it can help you get in the flow faster and break the high dopamine cycle. As previously mentioned, some tricks for getting in the zone work better than others. Let’s first review the ones that sound like solid advice but are gimmicky.

Overrated tips for reaching the flow state

Here are some of the most overrated tips for getting in the zone.

#1 Turn on/up the music.

As a web developer, designer, or anyone in the IT field, you’ll probably agree that headphones are essential for getting in the zone. Flow sessions tend to last longer when paired with music, especially if you know the words to the songs you listen to and can get into the rhythm.

Well, it’s not entirely true. If your task requires reading documentation or writing any type of document using words (not code lines), you’ll have trouble concentrating when someone is singing in your ears.

You can use wireless headphones with active noise-canceling technology. If you decide to have a quiet flow session with no music, this type of headphones can still work effectively for noise canceling. The technology uses microphones to pick up ambient sounds and then generates sound waves that are opposite to cancel out the noise.

#2 You need to be in the zone for at least 4 hours.

Objectively, there is no rule on how long the flow state should last; once your concentration starts to drop and there’s no zen-like peace surrounding you, you should give it a rest.

However, most people feel the optimal zone state to last approximately 3-4 hours. In reality, it depends.

It depends on your energy levels throughout the day. If you are well-rested, you’ll easily achieve longer flow sessions, and vice versa. So, instead of focusing on the session duration, focus on session quality and make small improvements to maintain your focus.

Underrated tips for getting in the zone

Now, let’s move on to the underrated tactics. Here are the two.

#1 Don’t celebrate little victories.

This tip may sound counter-intuitive to what you know (small prizes can lead to big motivation) but the flow state is not about rewards or celebrating each milestone. It’s about endurance, smart over hard work, and focusing on problem-solving.

So, once you complete a task, move on to the next, leaving no room for celebrations. If you start thinking, “Wow, I’m on a roll today; let me get up and get a quick snack from the kitchen,” your brain will go into “relaxation” mode, and you’ll have trouble getting back into the zone once you return to your desk. So, say no to rewards until you are ready to get out of the zone.

#2 Wear comfortable outfits.

Your corporate fashion statement is your choice, but if you want to reach the flow state faster, you should be more mindful about your wardrobe.

The term “comfortable” when it comes to outfits should be used loosely, as the goal is to wear outfits that boost your confidence and allow you NOT to be aware of your clothes. You shouldn’t think about your clothes (your belt being too tight or your t-shirt scratchy), footwear, or any part of your look while trying to get in the zone. When you are physically comfortable and relaxed, you can reach the flow state more efficiently.

Is there a way to find out which habits foster and hinder your flow state?

Of course, there is. Tracking your business days.

“Tracking,” doesn’t necessarily mean using a screen recording software or any type of surveillance app. A plain ol’ automatic time tracker that captures all your activity, similar to what Memtime tool offers, will do the job.

When you use a time tracking app, you are able to find out how long your flow states last, what your most considerable interruptions are, how many times you’ve taken breaks, whether you are susceptible to meeting creep, etc.

And remember: please don’t use a manual time tracker with a Start/Stop button. Such a seemingly productive tool actually takes minutes of your day, resulting in lower efficiency.

To conclude

Reaching the zone, or the flow state, is the ultimate goal for enhancing productivity and focus. When you are fully immersed in the tasks, you are more likely to complete them and feel accomplished. But not all tips for getting in the zone work.

Some overrated tactics include relying on music to boost concentration or setting rigid expectations for how long flow sessions should last. On the other hand, underrated strategies, such as not celebrating minor victories and prioritizing comfort in your overall style, can enhance the possibility of reaching and maintaining the hyper-concentration mode.

Remember, a lot of achievement and personal satisfaction come with the flow state. But there is more to work than just getting in the zone; not every day should or can be a flow state day. So, embrace your humanity and the brain’s need to rest and find ways and habits that improve the chances of getting in the zone, once you feel like it’s possible.