Master Deep Work, Unlock Flow

I don’t know about you, but I hear the words personal optimization nearly every single day.

Peak performance is not only a trend but a pervasive culture that has taken over the imagination of nearly everyone I know.

Imaging what our lives could look like if we performed at our peak level the majority of the time is well, pervasive to say the least.

In that case, let’s talk about it.

You’ve probably heard of the words Flow States and Deep Work. Although they sound the same, they are actually quite different. In fact, one is a precursor for the other. 

Here below I will explain each in detail and how to sequence them in a way that can potentially unlock you 2.0 aka the Limitless version of you.

What Is Flow?

Flow is a state of complete immersion in a task. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi introduced the concept in his book, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. When we’re in flow, time seems to disappear, our actions feel effortless, and we’re fully absorbed in the present moment. Athletes often call this “being in the zone.”

Flow happens when the challenge of a task matches our skill level. If it’s too easy, you’ll feel bored; too difficult, you’ll feel anxious. 

This balance, often called the “flow channel,” is the key to achieving flow. It’s most commonly associated with creative pursuits like surfing, writing, and photography but can happen in any activity that we feel deeply engaged in.

What Is Deep Work?

Deep Work is a term coined by Cal Newport in his book Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. It’s the practice of focusing intensely on cognitively demanding tasks without distractions. 

Newport argues that deep work is essential for mastering difficult skills and producing high-quality results.

Unlike flow, deep work is far from effortless, in fact, it’s almost the opposite. 

It demands discipline, intention and uninterrupted time. Think of the term: embracing the suck. This level of effort lays the groundwork for growth.

Deep work is supposed to be challenging, so challenging that everything afterwards is arguably effortless.

The Key Differences

Here’s how Flow and Deep Work differ in their origins and emotional experiences.

Whiplash: A Case Study in Deep Work and Flow

Have you seen the 2014 film Whiplash?  It perfectly depicts the relationship between deep work and flow. The protagonist, Andrew, is a wildly ambitious drummer who relentlessly practices in isolation. 

His unrelenting focus is the embodiment of deep work. He figures out that by practising at speeds 10% faster than normal, it primes him for future performances.

Then, when it counts the most and he’s on stage, his deep work enables him to enter a state of flow. 

The preparation done via Deep Work serves as the foundation for Flow, making high-level performance more than available, it becomes his base-line default.

The Science of Myelin

Understanding the practical application of these is one thing. What about the neuroscience behind Deep Work and Flow States?

One of the reasons deep work is so effective lies in the science of myelin. 

Myelin is a layer of fatty tissue that wraps around neurons in the brain, insulating them. This insulation helps neurons fire faster and more efficiently. 

Every time we practice a skill, we strengthen the neural circuits associated with it by building more myelin.

For myelin to develop, isolation and repetition are crucial! 

When Andrew practices the drums with full focus and no distractions, his brain reinforces the specific circuits needed for drumming. 

Over time, this makes those circuits faster and more precise. Myelin is why deep work creates the foundation for flow—it prepares your brain for peak performance. 

Incorporating Microdosing into Your Deep Work Practice

Anecdotally, we are hearing some of our high-performing community members say that microdosing supports them in the arena of optimal output. 

Community members report that microdosing helps them focus and allows their minds to d to settle into deep work.

Pairing microdosing with habits like removing distractions, isolating tasks, and practising consistently can be an interesting experiment for you to try. 

Optimising our baseline performance with small, deliberate steps can lead to greater focus and productivity.

If you are ready to try to start microdosing, you can order your Starter Pack here.

Also, you might want to listen to the Deep Work playlist that our founder Nils has created on Spotify. 

How They Complement Each Other

Deep work and flow are different, Deep work is the preparation, the hard focus that pushes your abilities, and Flow is the reward, where everything feels natural and seamless.

When you practice deep work, you increase the likelihood of entering flow. 

Each time you push through discomfort, you build skills and reinforce neural pathways. 

Then, when the time comes for flow, your brain is primed for peak performance. 

It’s a cycle: deep work lays the foundation, and flow allows you of the joy in the process.

Practical Tips for Harnessing Both

Create the Environment: Create a distraction-free workspace for deep work and flow.

Practice Intentionally: Push yourself just beyond your comfort zone to strengthen your skills.

Focus on Myelination: Isolate and repeat specific tasks to build better neural circuits.

Time Your Efforts: Schedule blocks of uninterrupted time for deep work.

Create Your Flow Triggers: Experiment with activities that help you immerse fully.

In Short

The effort you invest in deep work doesn’t just lead to fleeting moments of brilliance, it ensures they become second nature. 

As shown in Whiplash, Andrew’s deliberate practice built the foundation for his effortless performances. Myelin, repetition, and focus are key components in the access of peak performance.

Deep work is how we prepare; flow is where we shine. 

Together, they’re the key to unlocking our potential, and our evolution to version 2.0

The question, is; are you READY for some Deep Work?

Tell me all about it in the comments below.

As always,

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨

Asha Sultana

I believe in the power of mushrooms and in the innate intelligence of our bodies. Fungi support human health like none other. Personally, I have used a wide variety of mushrooms to restore my health from heavy metal poisoning and its consequences. Currently living in Cape Town while raised in Canada and born in Romania. My travels have deepened my connection to natural medicines and my commitment to balanced living.