Amanda Setili* says the secret of a successful life is to choose endeavours you love so much you cannot see a difference between work and play.
What’s the secret to a spectacular life? While there are many possible answers, I’d like to suggest that a very strong contender is spending as much time as possible in a state of flow.
This means being immersed in your work, so much so that it often feels effortless and all other distractions and cares temporarily slip away.
Or it can be being immersed in time spent with family and friends, so much so that your relationships blossom and you are able to truly cherish others.
Or being immersed when you exercise and play to the point that you are recharged and energised when you return to shoulder your responsibilities.
In my latest podcast, management consultant, Will Bachman reminded me of a quote by philosopher, L.P. Jacks:
“A master in the art of living draws no sharp distinction between his work and his play; his labour and his leisure; his mind and his body; his education and his recreation.
“He hardly knows which is which. He simply pursues his vision of excellence through whatever he is doing, and leaves others to determine whether he is working or playing.
“To himself, he always appears to be doing both.”
No matter what you choose to do, choose endeavours that you love.
This may require extra effort and patience on your part — to seek the right opportunities instead of the first ones to come along — but it is more than worth it.
Recently, my husband and I were sitting outside a tent, waiting for the wind to come up so we could kiteboard.
He noticed I had taken out my laptop and was happy as a clam, working away.
I love to kiteboard, and I love to work, so our lack of wind didn’t push me into a negative state; I just switched options.
It may sound obvious, but the more you feel fully immersed in every aspect of your life — whether you are building a spreadsheet, closing a deal, or even doing chores around the house — the easier it is to take twists and turns in your stride.
Here’s the non-obvious part: Achieving this status is the result of setting a clear standard for yourself, and sticking to it.
Seek flow states in every aspect of your life.
*Amanda Setili is the author of Fearless Growth: The New Rules to Stay Competitive, Foster Innovation, and Dominate Your Markets. She can be contacted at setili.com.
This article first appeared at setili.com.
