Creativity: Flow and the Psychology of Discovery and Invention

A moment of creative inspiration is rare. It has both a long incubation period and, if it is to prove fruitful, a lengthy subsequent development. We find that the creative experience in science begins with an unconventional person, of abilities both diverse and contrasting, who is well grounded and receptive in his professional field. He not only p

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common process across almost all great intellectual and creative performers, regardless of their field: 1.Immersion: total engagement in their work with deep, unremitting focus 2.Incubation: a period of rest and recovery when they are not at all thinking about their work 3.Insight: the occurrence of “aha” or “eureka” moments—the emergence of new id

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flow is incredible. How do we make it? Well, these are the conditions:1. You must always know what to do next.2. You must always know how to do it.3. You must be free from distractions.4. You must get clear and immediate feedback.5. And this is the hardest to get right. You must feel a balance between challenge and skill.

“The Flow” is the name given to a skilled individual’s peak productive state. Great work happens when people are in the flow, a state of deep concentration and productive output that, when achieved, temporarily suspends time. Research conducted by positive psychologist Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi and his international team found there are 10 components

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