Bowen Dwelle discovered the concept of "flow" during a kitesurfing trip to Maui in early 2013. Defined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, flow is that effortless state of total focus on the task at hand. It can emerge during intense physical pursuits like kiteboarding—or in the midst of demanding work.
A San Francisco Entrepreneurs Organization member since 2009, Dwelle launched the Flow Forum in 2014 to share this insight with fellow entrepreneurs. Participants tackle rigorous challenges, including a one-mile swim in San Francisco Bay or a snowshoe hike to a 10,000-foot peak in the Sierra Nevada. The goal: Harness flow through physical exertion to ignite it in your professional life.
Dwelle offers this practical advice for tapping into flow:
"If you feel the wheel turning in the wrong direction, get out and move."
"There’s a direct feedback loop between the energy we invest in the world and the energy we receive back—or lose. If the wheel feels like it's spinning the wrong way, get moving. Just 10 minutes of genuine outdoor physical activity daily can elevate your mood and redirect your momentum."
Related: Flow makes life better, so go for it (here's how)
This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of SUCCESS magazine.
