I just started reading Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihaly and absolutely loving it. One thing that particularly captured my attention was how Mihaly explained the difference between pleasure and enjoyment. According to Flow, we can experience pleasure by without any investment of pyshcic energy, whereas enjoyment happens only as a result of unusual investments of attention.

Mihaly then explains how easy it is for a child to experience enjoyment. Flow states that every child is a little “learning machine”, as children are constantly leaning new movements and words.

This instantly reminded me of how children always look so happy, and how contagious a kid’s smile can be to an adult. It’s also evident today that children obviously smile and laugh way more than adults do on average. One reason children could be happier, or enjoy optimal experience more often, could be due to the fact they are constantly learning.

After these children go to school, the exitement of learning new things tends to wear out. 2 years out of highschool now, I notice a majority of people I went to school with say they are “done with school, and will never have to read a book again”. Adults in general tend to rarely read 1 book a year, and according to this article, 1 in 4 adults read no books at all.

One way adults can enjoy optimal experience and be happier more often is just to learn from children. Constantly push yourself to learn something new and enlightening. Personally, I notice a huge difference between the attitude of friends my age who read and educate themselves and those who don’t.

Point is, dedicate yourself to learning something new, constantly. Whether its through reading a book, attending seminars, or taking classes. Just don’t work a job because it pays money. Work a job that forces you to learn something new. It is amazing how much there is to learn and experience, and it really just starts after highschool. Always seek to learn more, and overall enjoy life more.

Flow is something I try to attain and work on every day. Flow is also referred to as “On the money” and “In a groove”. According to the definition on Wikipedia, Flow is a mental state of operation where you are fully immersed in whatever you are doing. The best example that comes to mind is sports. The best, most clear, and exhilarating moments of flow I have had in my life was during my high school basketball career. Besides sports, I have also felt it in engaging conversations, school projects, writing my thoughts, and even driving.

The father of Flow, psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, lists the components of flow and also tips on how groups could flow together here.

When I think of flow, I think of passion, drive, purpose, and love. To really enjoy life to the fullest and savour the moment sort of speak, always try to find your flow, your groove in whatever it you set out to do in life. Be it your job, relationships, your home and hobbies, if you have trouble trying to find flow with it, chances are you probably could be happier doing something else. Every successful person of their trade has mastered the art of flow, from Kobe and Tiger to Mark Cuban. They find something they love to do, and excel at it.

In any situation you put yourself in in life, ask yourself the crucial and deep question: “Got Flow?”