From Force to Flow

When it comes to performance, sometimes we feel we have to force results, leading to frustration when results are not achieved, which sends us into a self-defeating cycle spiraling out and sabotaging our success. But when we shift away from forcing and into flowing, naturally we achieve far greater than anything force could do.

But how do we get there? How do we make this shift? Sometimes it feels against our human nature, and counterproductive, but we have to learn to let go. So, you’re saying, “just let go”? But the question in all your minds as you’re reading this is, “yeah, but…” and fill in the blank. “Things won’t get done, or I will fail or worse the team will fail.”

So, hear me out on this. Letting go does not mean not caring, letting go does not mean giving up, letting go does not mean stop trying. Letting go is a mindset. This is the concept of releasing control as a conscious choice that is rooted in trust and acceptance, rather than a passive act of giving up. It involves embracing the flow of life with confidence and resilience. Unlike relinquishment, which can imply defeat or resignation, letting go is an active process of freeing oneself from attachments that no longer serve personal growth. It requires emotional intelligence and self-compassion, allowing individuals to navigate life's challenges with clarity and peace.

It is trusting that what is within me is enough, and that the confidence comes not from the results but from your consistency in showing up for yourself through the highs and lows. If you take a moment to reflect on your life and recall the tough moments that you made it through, you begin to realize, “wow maybe I can trust myself, even now in this moment.” That whether you are in the lowest of low, or highest of high, you are still standing. So, it is shifting to this focus. In this moment now, you are here. When we begin to engage in more mindful grounded approach to our endeavors is when we begin to flow, and that is where the freedom is. Here is a practical application to understand the how of shifting from force to flow.

Understanding the Shift from Force to Flow

"Forcing" often stems from a survival mindset, where the brain's instinct is to persist through struggle, believing that effort equates to success. However, this approach can lead to burnout and frustration. In contrast, "flowing" involves releasing attachment to rigid outcomes and trusting in the process, allowing for a more natural and sustainable path to success.

Letting Go: Resilience over Relinquishment

Letting go doesn't mean abandoning goals or ceasing effort; it's about shifting mindset. It involves trusting that your abilities and consistency, even through challenges, are sufficient. This trust builds confidence, not from immediate results, but from the resilience shown over time.

Practical Steps to Foster Flow

1. Pause and Reflect: Instead of reacting impulsively, take a moment to assess whether your current approach aligns with your goals or if it's driven by fear or habit  

2. Release Attachment to Specific Outcomes: Understand that not every path leads directly to your desired result. Be open to alternative routes that may emerge.

3. Cultivate Trust: Develop confidence in your skills and decisions. Trusting yourself reduces the need for micromanagement and fosters a more autonomous and effective environment

4. Embrace Mindfulness Practices: Engage in activities like meditation or journaling to enhance self-awareness and stay present, which are crucial for entering a flow state.

5. Create Supportive Environments: Surround yourself with individuals and settings that encourage positivity and focus, minimizing distractions that can disrupt flow.

   
   

Balancing Effort and Ease

Recognize that not all challenges require intense struggle. Sometimes, growth comes from realizing when to ease up and allow things to unfold naturally. The key is discerning between productive effort and unnecessary resistance and knowing when to push forward and when to step back.

By adopting a mindset that values trust, adaptability, and presence, you can transition from a cycle of forced effort to one of natural flow, leading to more sustainable success and fulfillment.

Of course, this is a generalized approach, mental performance is both an art and a science. Therefore to get the best results, working with a CMPC is highly recommended!

If you enjoyed this blog, then please like and share! To learn more about this topic, or to work with Dr. Ross either individually or as a group, please send email coach@renewperformance.org