Now I have the opportunity to practice and see if my idea concerning the combination of hyperfocus and flow is a feasible method. Trigger warning: Parts of this post have to do with self optimization.

The bottom line of this idea is that hyperfocus and flow share very similar traits in terms of feeling time rushing by, easy performance, a feeling of happiness in and after the activity, plus the anticipation to deal with the topic sucking you into hyperfocus or a flow state.

The problem is: How to fet this initial motivation for activities I normally avoid and dive into hyperfocal activities that promise me high sources of dopamine?

Starting with reframing the activity is helpful. But a whole activity that is connotated with fear, stress and other unpleasant feelings is hard to grasp.

Breaking it down into small steps is the first approach: Make small and reachable goals and chunks with enough headroom to accomplish the task, then generate a cue that is obvious.

Making it obvious is not the only helpful strategy. If I want to have my tax refund, it doesn’t help to have a sticky note on my fridge. I need to have an incentive that gives me the prospect of a sweet reward that I can visualise. Maybe a nice vacation, so I would try and associate a rewarding image or another stimulus that is appealing. If the chunks are small enough and the rewards reachable, but with enough challenge to master the task, then it is the closest I could get into a flow like state. If this is really giving me a hyperfocalstate remains to be seen.

The aspects of n obvious cue and rewarding outcome which makes you crave for the activity is borrowed from the book of James Clear. And this is a self optimizaiont I gladly take into account, if it’s possible.

And I know it is. I have quit drinking this way. I will keep you updated, how I fared.

Until next time: Keep up the faith in yourself and take one step at a time.