Being “In The Zone”
03.23.2005 | Chris BaileyLately, I’ve been in high interview mode. Anyone who has been through an interview knows about the amount of time it takes to properly research and prepare for the meeting. In my case, I had a "performance interview" on Monday, which automatically increases the prep time exponentially. For this performance interview for a corporate trainer position, I had to facilitate a mock technical training in front of five people within the company. It was one of the most fun, relaxed, and personally powerful interviews I’ve ever experienced.
As I was debriefing with my wife afterward, I realized that what made it go so well was that I felt like I was "in the zone." My first time hearing that phrase was in a college class on Taoism and Creativity. We talked about how to enter that place and work there. All I could think was that it seemed very mystical, like an out-of-body experience.
However, I’ve come to different perspective since those college days. Why was I able to achieve that place in the zone? For me, it was about the hard work I’ve done in the past months (and years really) getting to know who I am and in what I’m particularly skilled and talented. You know, Michael Jordan didn’t wake up one day to find he could hit a clutch three point basket. He had to work long and hard at developing the proper technique and mindset. Then, he had to understand that the true power came when he relaxed and trusted his abilities. It’s the same for all of us who find the zone.
There’s plenty of work that has to be done in order to achieve mastery of a subject or action. It’s only after this hard work that the mystical can flow through us. Any experiences with being in the zone you’d like to share?
4 Responses to “Being “In The Zone””
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I’m not sure how mystical being in “the zone” is but I do know that I appreciate when those moments happen. I also am hesitant to say it has anything to do with mastering the subject. I’m not sure I can always put the finger on why or how it happens, I only recognize that it has happened.
I am a teacher and when I am in “the zone” – I essentially have connecting well with my students, better than normal. It does leave somewhat of a rush and I find a satisfaction of having taught something that has made a difference to someone – perhaps spurring them on to action.
As a musician, I have experienced “the zone” when playing with musicians in which I connected with in some way as well. What I played spurred them on to play something unexpected yet in perfect relationship to what I played. As a bass player – I have refered to this as being in the groove.
Perhaps “being in the zone” is more about experiencing a sense of play? You know that childlike wonder at discovering something new and cool! I’d love some contributions with the definition of play I am suggesting. Feel free to visit – http://exploreplay.blogspot.com
G
I’m a freelance marketing consultant. The key to the “Zone” for me is to feel relaxed.
This feeling of relaxation can occur for any number of factors, including: connecting with the individuals I’m interacting with, being knowledgable about the subject matter being discussed, I have been recommended to the individuals through word of mouth, the sun is shinning, general sense of wellbeing … etc.
Obviously not all these factors can be controlled but some can … so I try 110% to connect to people and be knowledgable about my areas of interest. This impacts 2 fold 1). Makes me feel more relaxed (more in the Zone), so I perform better and 2). Makes me more impressive in the eyes of the other individuals because of 1.
As a photographer and zen student, being in the zone comes when I’m not self-conscious…when I let go of thinking about what other people will think of the photo, of the “correct” composition, will it be good enough to be in an exhibit, etc.
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi wrote about this and calls it Flow in his book by the same name.
Garth, Marks, and Robin: fantastic comments! What seems to connect them is a notion of relaxation and nonjudgement. It’s allowing things to come and dancing artfully with them.
Garth mentions playing music. I’m always amazed to watch musicians engage in improv. I witnessed two pianists, both complete strangers, begin to play together on a single piano in a college bar. It was magical to see them connect on such a deep level and create passionate music.
Thanks to each of you for your thoughts on finding and hanging out in the zone.