FLOW (IN THE ZONE)

Wikipedia defines FLOW (a.k.a. in the zone), as the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity.

Hungarian psychologist, Mijaly Csikszentmihaly, talks about FLOW, or being in the zone. He has studied the idea of perception and concluded that people can basically make themselves happy or miserable regardless of the “outside” situation. This is done simply by changing the contents of our consciousness.

Jeanne Nakamura, Csíkszentmihályi and psychologist expert Kendra Cherry identify the following six factors as encompassing an experience of flow, Intense and focused concentration on the present moment

Merging of action and awareness
A loss of reflective self-consciousness
A sense of personal control over the situation or activity
A distortion of temporal experience
Experience of the activity as intrinsically rewarding
Instant Feedback
Potential to Succeed
Feeling of complete focus on the task

(Nakamura, J.; Csikszentmihályi, M. (20 December 2001). "Flow Theory and Research".)

FLOW is literally a state of optimal experience, a state in which you are so involved with what you are doing that nothing else matters. This is where drill interval training is incorporated to support Csikszentminaly’s work. Csikszentminaly says that you do not want the challenge to be too high or too low so progression is beneficial

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A drill too intense compared to the ability of the athlete can create fear for the athlete. A drill too low compared to the ability of the athlete can create boredom or apathy. The athlete, in a state of FLOW, will be completely zoned in on each drill circuit so it is vital to individualize each C.U.D.I.T.® lesson.

Benefits of Drill Interval Training with FLOW