Are you curious about the flow state? Most of us know it as that state of total immersion where distractions fade, time disappears, and you’re fully alive in what you’re doing. I wrote another post on how to enter the flow state, but in this post, I want to break down the 3 traits of people who live in the flow state—the qualities that make it easier to enter this powerful state of mind.
People who possess these traits can handle whatever challenges life throws at them and remain flexible in various situations. From the mundane to the extreme, these individuals don’t let obstacles hinder their flow and can find solutions with ease. Keep reading to learn what the first trait is!
1. They are self-assured
One of the most important traits of people in flow state is self-assurance. Being self-assured is more than having confidence–it’s the unwavering belief that you’re capable, that you trust your intuition and abilities can handle life’s challenges.
In his book about flow, Mihály Csíkszentmihályi says being self-assured allows individuals to remain calm and focused in a troubling scenario because they know things will be okay. These people don’t let self-doubt drag them out of the moment. They may feel fear or anxiety, but they trust themselves enough to figure it out.
Personal example
When climbing outside, I love to challenge myself by trying to onsight a route. Onsighting is climbing a route from start to finish without any prior knowledge of it. I usually feel nervous before starting, but I know my training sessions in the gym have given me the endurance and technique I need to be successful.
There’s no room to think about failing or not completing the route. I have to trust my abilities and acknowledge that I’ve put in the work. For me, this is what self-assurance is–it’s not arrogance or feeling confident that I’m going to succeed; it’s feeling that I’m going to figure things out once I’m on the rock.
Building Self-assurance
Feeling self-assured can come easily to some, but might be more challenging to others.
Here are some ways to develop this trait.
Be prepared. If you’re an artist getting ready to paint your first oil painting, make sure you know the appropriate techniques and have all tools you need. The marathon runner will need to acquaint himself with the trail and devise a strategy for pacing and hydration. Whatever your craft or profession, being prepared is essential.
Cultivate positive self-talk. Sometimes we’re our own worst critics, and our negative self-talk can break down our self-assuredness. Next time you encounter a setback or failure, try reframing it: “What can I learn from this?” “Making mistakes is part of the process.” “I’m doing my best, and it’s okay to experience failure.”
Recognize strengths and weaknesses. Self-assured people know what they’re good at and acknowledge their limitations as well. If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you probably wouldn’t try to fix it yourself because you recognize you don’t have the skills or knowledge. Instead, you’d call a mechanic. The mountaineer facing an incoming storm during an ascent should be able to assess whether or not he can finish the climb before the storm arrives.
2. They’re In Tune with Their Environment
Another defining trait of people who live in flow is their awareness of the world around them. Flow thrives when you’re present with your environment—not lost in your head. Musicians notice subtle rhythms, athletes read the field, and artists pay attention to how light hits a canvas.
Being in tune with your environment means engaging with reality. As a climber, I have to pay attention to all the irregularities of the rock in order to find the right sequences. I can’t think about how high I am above the ground or what I’m going to eat for dinner.
More examples
Let’s say you’re driving back home when suddenly you notice the car swerving slightly. Instead of panicking, you take the time to observe, and notice that the road has become icy. You slowly release the gas and pull over to the side of the road to attach your snow chains.
Two ice climbers are attempting to ascend a peak before nightfall. Out of nowhere, they see a storm cloud slowly inch towards the mountain range. The climbers estimate how much more they need to climb and decide there’s not enough time to summit before the storm reaches them. They decide to stop climbing and set up camp for the night instead, potentially avoiding a terrible accident.
In both these examples, the driver and climbers could have let anxiety take over and cloud their judgment. But by observing the world around them, they could make the best decision at the moment.
3. They’re Open to New Solutions
The last of the traits of people who live in flow is openness. Flow often feels creative because it requires flexibility—letting go of rigid plans and allowing curiosity to guide the way.
When a skillful artist sets out to paint a landscape, they might have a rough idea of what the canvas should look like, but ultimately will let the colors guide them into creating a unique product. Staying attached to their initial idea could cause their painting to look uninspiring.
When something doesn’t work, people in flow don’t freeze or panic. They adjust, experiment, and explore alternative solutions until something clicks.
Being flexible
Let’s go back to the example of the driver on the icy road. What if they didn’t have snow chains? What if it started snowing even harder? The driver might panic and try to continue driving on the icy road, risking their safety. But if they pull over to the side and think about alternatives, they could remember that calling roadside assistance is an option.
What about the ice climbers on the mountain? If they didn’t have the gear to camp for the night, trying to scramble up the peak quickly during the storm suddenly becomes more tempting. However, they would risk their lives, potentially getting caught in the storm. The safer option would be to attempt the summit another time and rappel down to the base before the storm arrives. Only by being flexible and open would the climbers come to this conclusion.
Conclusion
When you step back, it’s clear: the traits of people in flow state—self-assurance, presence, and openness—are not exclusive to athletes, artists, or high achievers. They’re accessible to anyone who wants to live a more engaged life.
The more you practice trusting yourself, tuning into your environment, and welcoming new solutions, the easier it becomes to slip into flow.
Let me know in the comments if you found this post helpful, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
