What puts you “in the zone?”
We’ve all been there. It’s the place where you’re fully engaging all your energy, your passion, both the left and right halves of your brain.
You’re in the zone when you lose sense of time, and you have a heightened sense of engagement and accomplishment. And you’re having fun.
These situations aren’t random, and in fact you can construct an environment which helps you to be creative, or thoughtful, or organized. But it might be different for you than for others.
Some people like to have a physically clear environment, which helps them to clear away mental obstacles. Put everything away. Turn off the TV and close the web browser. Start off with a big empty sheet of paper.
Others might be more energized by a wealth of stimuli and information. Put lots of pictures and words up on the wall. Have all your information right at hand. Search for inputs from other people who will stimulate your thinking.
For many, their mental state will mirror their physical activity. Their quiet body will lead to a meditative mind, and physical exercise will cause their mind to get active as well.
Here’s the challenge: Find out what causes you to go into certain states. The last time you were “in the zone,” who was around you? What did you see, hear, and smell? What was your physical posture? What was the time of day, and what had you eaten earlier?
The next time you want to create that mental state, reproduce as much of the situation as seems useful. That will help to push your thinking and attitude back in the same direction.
Carl Dierschow is a certified Organizational Leadership Coach and author of the career management guide, Mondays Stink! 23 Secrets to Rediscover Delight and Fulfillment in Your Work. He is a career coach for those going through interesting transitions, and works with leaders who are creating amazing teams. Find out more at www.Dierschow.com and www.PossibilitiesPartnership.com.
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