Insights from ‘The Rise of Superman’ by Steven Kotler Flashcards
What is ‘flow’ as described by Steven Kotler?
Flow is an optimal state of consciousness, a peak state where we feel and perform our best.
True or False: Flow is a state only experienced by high-performing athletes.
False
Fill in the blank: Flow is the feeling of being totally _____ in what you are doing.
immersed
What does Ned Hallowell believe about activities done in flow?
He believes everything is done better in flow, from baking to planning to solving equations.
What are the four flow triggers mentioned for experiencing more flow at work?
Clear goals with high consequences, rich sensory experience, immediate feedback, and saying ‘Yes! And…’
Explain why ‘clear goals with high consequences’ can trigger flow.
They force us to operate in a space between boredom and anxiety, focusing attention on meaningful tasks.
How can a rich sensory experience enhance flow?
Novel and complex sensory input can deepen flow by immersing us in the moment.
True or False: Experiencing awe is unrelated to flow.
False
Why is immediate feedback important in achieving flow?
It helps us course-correct in real-time, which keeps us in the moment.
Give an example of immediate feedback in a work context.
Externalizing thoughts by sketching ideas or typing them out for instant refinement.
What is the purpose of saying ‘Yes! And…’ in triggering flow?
It fosters momentum, togetherness, and innovation by building on ideas instead of negating them.
Fill in the blank: The concept of ‘Yes! And…’ is based on the first rule of _____ comedy.
improv
How does public accountability contribute to experiencing flow?
It adds high consequence by making us committed to our goals, similar to the fear of social alienation.
Which sensory inputs can enhance flow in a work setting?
Taste and smell (tea/coffee), auditory (music), visual (novel space), and tactile (typing/sketching).
Explain how experiencing awe is related to flow.
Awe leads to total absorption, helping us lose self-consciousness and experience time dilation.
