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Cover of Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Finding Flow

  • 163 pages · about 3 hours
  • First published 1997
  • 3 editions

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1 About this book

Based on a far-reaching study of thousands of individuals, Finding Flow contends that we often walk through our days unaware and out of touch with our emotional lives. As a result of this inattention, we find ourselves constantly bouncing between two extremes: during much of the day we live inundated by the anxiety and pressures of our work and obligations, and during our leisure moments, we tend to live in passive boredom.

Part psychological study and part self-help book, Finding Flow is a prescriptive guide that helps us reclaim ownership of our lives. The key, according to Csikszentmihalyi, is to challenge ourselves with tasks that require a high degree of skill and commitment. Instead of watching television, play the piano; transform a routine task with a different approach. In short, learn the joy of complete engagement.

Though they appear simple on the surface, the lessons in Finding Flow are life-changing.

Good for readers who want: happiness and self-improvement.

  • Happiness
  • Mindfulness (psychology)
  • Self-help
  • Conduct of life
  • Life Style

2 About Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

1934–2021

Mihaly Robert Csikszentmihalyi (29 September 1934 – 20 October 2021) was a Hungarian-American psychologist. He recognized and named the psychological concept of "flow", a highly focused mental state conducive to creativity. He was the Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Management at Claremont Graduate University.

Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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