Remote work & Flow state
I’ve been working from “home” for 4+ years.
One thing I know is finding my flow is very important.
Have you ever heard someone talk about being or getting “in the zone”? Maybe you’ve said it yourself? Let’s call this proverbial “zone” the flow state.
I think this flow state is where we do some of our best work. Here’s how and where I find mine remotely, to help you find yours.
Flow state & remote work
Without the physical office the flow changes. Remote work has unique challenges. Among other things like kids, no perks, having to clean up after yourself, distractions a plenty, and the entire schedule feeling fundamentally different, I found that being tied to a single desk in my home is not the best strategy.
For me, there are different types of work. This requires different types of environments. Some creative, some not, some where I like music, others with other people, and kinds where silence is best.
When it comes to productivity and working from anywhere, I have to set myself up to find my flow. I think this should be a universal rule. Set yourself up to find your flow, and productivity will follow. Here’s a few tips that help me. Hopefully they help you or someone you know too.
Remote work environment
I recommend many known environments to work from. I’ve worked from home, the park, multiple co-working spaces, my car, the library, and previously… a lot of coffee shops. I have my go to spots that are helpful for different types of work. You might have yours in your home. When I worked in an office building, I had mine there too. Some people have spots they know all around the world. For me, what matters most when choosing my environment is not where I think I want to go. The decision is made based on the type of work I need to get done.
Flow state acceptance
Being in a “funk” is real, and flow state isn’t there sometimes. Notice that. If you’re honest with yourself when there is no flow, then you can create an opportunity to find yours again. If you have someone you know you can discuss being in the zone and flow state with, that’s even better.
Movement & work
This is a must do. Steve jobs was famous for walking meetings. I wish we could have seen what that did to his brain, and I’d love to see what it does for my own. Something about walking goes great paired with a good conversation or meeting. In addition, any type of movement properly integrated into your day, I highly recommend.
Start small with self-accountability
Activities, projects, small tasks and other simple things that bring you happiness, joy, and satisfaction can help get you started. Sometimes finding your flow is simply about doing what you set out to get done. Find your flow in something small then move on to bigger and bigger things. Keep that promise to yourself. One step a time. If you’ve got a big item lingering on your to do list, make it smaller, or get it done.
Don’t just take it from me, read more on flow state from others who’ve wrote about it too. One place to start is here on Medium where Jari Roomer wrote How To Reach Flow State (Using 10 Flow State ‘Triggers’).
My hope is this helps inspire you to embrace the sudden shift to a new world of remote work. In the future, directionally, I see us on track to do a lot more of our work outside of the typical office setting. As a global society, we have a great opportunity to take advantage of all the efficiencies this way of working affords us. And yes of course, I do think that in some shape, size, or form, “offices” will eventually make a come back too.
Here’s to finding your flow.
And to your office of the future.
Wherever that may be.
