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To work on tasks in a quick and efficient way, we need flow. Flow is the state of mind where we are the most productive, as far as knowledge work is concerned. When we are experiencing flow, we are fully immersed, involved and focused on the subject we are working on. This means that we will generally work faster and with far better results than when we struggle through without reaching this state. Most people however may need about ten to fifteen minutes to achieve it. Because it takes a while to set in, once flow is achieved, it should be maintained as long as possible for maximum efficiency. Switching away from a demanding task before a state of flow is reached means a dramatic increase in the time and effort needed to complete that task.

Because the state of flow is easily ended by interruptions, it may be a good idea to create a work environment that allows for uninterrupted slices of time. It may also take a while for the people around you to learn that you need these periods, but with a little patience, the pay off can be dramatic.

For demanding tasks, 90 minutes seems to be the consensus for the ideal time-slice needed to first get into and then maintain flow. However, you will get used to reaching flow faster and faster, at which point, you may be able to use even shorter amounts of time effectively.

A rare few have the natural ability to put themselves into flow almost instantaneously. This gives them the ability to work in very productive bursts. We probably all know some naturally high achievers who seem to be able to easily tackle superhuman workloads and they most likely belong to this privileged group. If you don’t, do not give up hope! Through practice, you can reduce the amount of time it takes you to get into flow and learn how to maintain it even under unfavourable circumstances.

→ Related term at Wikipedia: Flow Theory
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