{"id":3622,"date":"2023-08-05T09:16:46","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T13:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/5-tips-from-steven-kotler-to-age-like-a-pro-unlock-your-flow\/"},"modified":"2023-08-05T09:16:46","modified_gmt":"2023-08-05T13:16:46","slug":"5-tips-from-steven-kotler-to-age-like-a-pro-unlock-your-flow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parmaks.com\/Resources\/5-tips-from-steven-kotler-to-age-like-a-pro-unlock-your-flow\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips From Steven Kotler to Age Like a Pro & Unlock Your Flow"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sometimes, it feels like our lives have a built-in timer. Tick-tock, tick-tock.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s like we\u2019re expected to slow down as we age, to become less active and less strong. And\u2014so help us\u2014to also lower our ambitions.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But what if that\u2019s not the only way to age? Can we change the way we think about growing older?<\/p>\n

After all, there are plenty of people who seem to defy aging: J. Lo, Pharrell Williams, Gabrielle Union\u2026 Even non-celebs, like Steven Kotler<\/strong>, the author of Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad<\/em> (and who happens to be the trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s The Habit of Ferocity<\/em> Quest), seem to have found the fountain of youth.<\/p>\n

Apparently, many of us aren\u2019t giving our brains the stimulation they need\u2014that\u2019s when aging occurs. But it doesn\u2019t need to be so.<\/p>\n

Rather, there are ways to get in the flow. There are ways to unlock your inner J. Lo (or Pharrell, or Steven). And there are ways to grow old yet \u201cstay rad.\u201d<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s exactly what he and Vishen, the founder of Mindvalley, get into on The Mindvalley Show<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ep\u00a0#010\u00a0| Stay Rad and Defy Aging With These 5 Practices From Steven Kotler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What Is Flow State?<\/h2>\n

Being \u201cin the flow\u201d is often described as being \u201cin the zone.\u201d It\u2019s that state of mind when you\u2019re performing an activity and are totally immersed in the experience. It\u2019s when we\u2019re \u201caligned with our core passion and\u2014because of flow\u2019s incredible impact on performance\u2014expressing that passion to our utmost<\/em>,\u201d as Steven puts it.<\/p>\n

The flow state, coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and later popularized by Steven, is where challenge meets skill. There\u2019s energized focus, complete involvement, and enjoyment in the process.<\/p>\n

Take Disney\u2019s Soul<\/em>, for instance. The scene where Joe plays the piano\u2014that\u2019s an example of the flow state.<\/p>\n

And it can happen at any time, regardless of what you\u2019re doing. Coding complex software, painting a masterpiece, or simply cooking a meal\u2014flow is the sweet spot where challenge meets skill.<\/p>\n

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Flow isn\u2019t just what makes life worth living. It makes a whole lot more life worth living.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Steven Kotler, trainer of Mindvalley\u2019s The Habit of Ferocity<\/em> Quest<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But why should you care about achieving this state? How does it affect your daily life or your process of aging?\u00a0<\/p>\n

Steven\u2019s extensive research with the Flow Research Collective reveals that the flow state has profound implications for our well-being and, crucially, our longevity. And what makes it particularly relevant in the context of aging is the compelling evidence linking it with improved mental and emotional health, resilience, and even cognitive function.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As we age, these aspects of our health often bear the brunt of time. This makes the flow state a potential game-changer for healthier, happier, and more vibrant aging.<\/p>\n

Learn more: <\/em><\/strong>5 Tips to Get In the Flow State, According to Mindvalley Trainers<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The Connection Between Flow State and Longevity<\/h2>\n

What comes to mind when you think about aging? Physical decline, cognitive slowdown, and a shrinking of the population are the more common ones.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese skills do decline; every single one of them, we now know, is a use it-lose it skill<\/em>,\u201d says Steven.<\/p>\n

But what if we\u2019ve got it all wrong? What if the key to longevity\u2014to a life well-lived\u2014is not in our physical years but in our mental and emotional states?<\/p>\n

\u201cSo if you keep training these skills, you get to hang on to them<\/em>,\u201d he goes on to explain, <\/em>\u201ceven advance them far later in life than anybody thought<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

In order to do that, it\u2019s important to learn how to get into flow\u2014frequently take part in challenging, creative, and social activities. And these activities should involve active, intentional play and occur in new, outdoor settings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Why new and outdoors? It causes flow triggers.<\/p>\n

Flow and healthy aging<\/h3>\n

Now, the link between this state and longevity might not seem apparent at first. After all, flow is about peak human performance, something that\u2019s often juxtaposed with the decline of the aging process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But, according to Steven, there\u2019s \u201ca really powerful link between the mind and the body<\/em>.\u201d And with research<\/a> to back that up, there\u2019s no denying that flow can absolutely have a positive effect on your mental agility, emotional health, and physical resilience.<\/p>\n

But as Steven points out, the flow state\u2019s positive effects on mental agility, emotional health, and physical resilience directly contribute to healthier aging.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aging, according to Steven, should not be viewed as a period of steady decline but as an extended opportunity for growth and exploration. It\u2019s about pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and continually striving for personal growth.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With this mindset and the right strategies, we can not only defy aging but also significantly improve our quality of life.<\/p>\n

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How to Use Flow to Age Gracefully, According to Steven Kotler<\/h2>\n

Aging like J. Lo, Pharrell, and Steven doesn\u2019t just happen. It requires intent, commitment, and a set of powerful strategies.<\/p>\n

Based on what Steven shared with Vishen, here are a few ways you can use flow to defy the common notions of aging:<\/p>\n

1. Do what you love<\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a lot of talk about passion. It is, after all, one of the great habits of successful people<\/a>. But what\u2019s it mean, and how can you find it?<\/p>\n

Passion\u2019s a deep-seated driving force that can ignite your inner fire, energize us, and act as a potent flow trigger. It\u2019s finding what you love to do\u2014something that lights you up, what makes you lose track of time, and feel alive.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For example, for Steven, it\u2019s surfing. For you, it might be cooking, reading, volunteering\u2026 the possibilities are endless.<\/p>\n

And as you get older, your passion can evolve. But regardless of what it is, it\u2019ll help you naturally lean towards the flow state and enhance your sense of well-being and satisfaction.<\/p>\n

Insight from Steven Kotler:<\/strong> \u201cFlow carries within it delicious possibility. In the state, we are aligned with our core passion and, because of flow\u2019s incredible impact on performance, expressing that passion to our utmost<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Challenge yourself<\/h3>\n

If you think reaching a certain age means you no longer need to challenge yourself, think again. Steven argues that consistently pushing your limits is vital to achieving flow and living a fulfilling life, regardless of your age.<\/p>\n

However, challenging yourself doesn\u2019t necessarily mean climbing Everest or singing at the Super Bowl like J. Lo. Rather, it\u2019s about setting meaningful, slightly out-of-reach goals in various aspects of your life: physical, intellectual, creative, social, and so on.\u00a0<\/p>\n

And more than just warding off an existential crisis<\/a>, there are several benefits to it:<\/p>\n