PEOPLE OFTEN ASK ME, "NON, how do you get so much done? How are you so effective at work?" I laugh because, first of all, I don't always get stuff done. I often find myself in chaotic moments especially a day before any deadlines. However, there's some truth in the above question. I'm not some hyper- focused genius or a productivity guru with a secret formula. Truth is, I'm just a guy from Thailand who's figured out one thing: when I'm in flow, I can do less but achieve more.
Flow is that sweet spot where time slips away, work feels effortless, and you're fully alive in the moment. It's not just for laptop warriors like me—it's for athletes, musicians, gamers, public speakers, anyone who's ever felt "in the zone." Let me share how I stumbled into flow, why it's a game-changer, and how you can find it too. What Is Flow? The psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi put a name to this state in his groundbreaking work on positive psychology.
Flow happens when you're so absorbed in a task that everything else fades away—your worries, your to-do list, even the ticking clock. It's not about working harder; it's about working smarter, where the challenge matches your skills, and you're fully engaged. Csikszentmihalyi showed that flow isn't just productive—it's joyful. It's why a guitarist loses herself in a riff, or a runner feels invincible mid-stride. For me, flow is the key to meaningful work, and I've chased it through writing, biking, and even my anthropological fieldwork.
Source: https://www.siobhaindanaher.com/is-your-life-in-flow/ Flow in My Life I first noticed flow years ago, biking along Shanghai's Huangpu River on my Brompton foldable bicycle. Pedaling fast, wind in my face, I wasn't thinking about my dissertation or career woes. I was just there, dreaming up wild ideas— like alternate universes or new political systems—while listening to Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States through my earbuds. Those rides were pure flow: my body moved, my mind soared, and ideas clicked into place.
I'd come home buzzing, ready to pour those thoughts into my writing. Writing itself is another flow trigger. When I'm drafting a blog post or a chapter, I sink into a rhythm where words spill out naturally. It's like what I wrote back in 2015: there's a gap between the spark of an idea and when my fingers start typing, and in that gap, flow happens. I think more clearly, connect dots I didn't see before. But it's not always easy to get there.
Early in my PhD, I'd hit writer's block, staring at a blank page, feeling like an imposter. That's when I learned flow isn't something you force—it's something you invite. Fieldwork taught me flow too. In Shanghai, sitting by the river with my notebook, I'd observe people, jotting down their stories. When I was truly present—not worrying about my next deadline or whether I was a "real" anthropologist—I'd lose myself in their world. Those moments weren't just productive; they were alive with meaning, like I was part of something bigger.
Why Flow Matters In 2025, work can feel like a grind—endless emails, Zoom calls, and deadlines. But flow flips that. It's not about clocking hours or burning out; it's about doing work that matters with less effort. When I'm in flow, I'm not dragging myself through tasks. I'm solving problems creatively, writing with clarity, or leading smart city projects with energy.
Flow makes me better at what I do, and it feels damn good—like I'm living in what the philosopher Leibniz would call "the best of all possible worlds." Flow isn't just for me. It's universal. A chef perfecting a dish, a coder debugging a program, a teacher captivating a classroom—they're all in flow when they're fully immersed. Csikszentmihalyi's research backs this: flow boosts performance and happiness because it aligns your focus with your purpose. It's a stepping stone to expertise, too.
The more you enter flow, the more you recognize patterns—how problems arise, how they're solved—and that's when you start mastering your craft. How I Get into Flow I'm not a Pomodoro guy, setting timers to force productivity. My approach is simpler: I set the stage for flow and let it find me. Here's what works: Create the Right Vibe: I love coffee, so I play café ambient noise on YouTube—clinking cups, hissing espresso machines. It's like being in a bustling coffee shop, and it tricks my brain into focus mode.
Research suggests ambient sounds, especially with steady rhythms, can enhance concentration by calming the mind. For me, it's like a warm hug that says, "Get to work." Start with Low-Hanging Fruit: If I'm stuck, I pick a task I know I can nail—a quick email, a simple edit. It's like warming up before a bike ride. Completing something small builds momentum, and soon I'm tackling bigger challenges without overthinking. This mirrors what I did in fieldwork: start with easy observations, then dive into deeper stories.
Eliminate Distractions: I silence my phone and keep it out of sight. One call can yank me out of flow, and it takes ages to get back. I also use a standing desk—it keeps me alert and moving. Even short breaks, like walking to the bathroom, help. That brief distance lets my thoughts settle, and I return ready to dive in again. These aren't fancy hacks. They're small, intentional choices that create space for flow.
Whether I'm writing a report or sketching ideas for a smart city project, these techniques help me hit that sweet spot where work feels like play. Flow and Expertise Flow isn't just about feeling good—it's how you grow. When I was biking or writing, I wasn't just enjoying the moment; I was learning. Each flow state helped me see patterns—how to structure a chapter, how to read a city's rhythm, how to solve a problem. With AI tools in 2025, this is even truer.
Once I'm in flow, I can spot repetitive tasks and automate them, freeing up time for creative work. Flow turns you into an expert by sharpening your instincts and making every effort count. Three Key Takeaways Invite Flow, Don't Force It Flow isn't about grinding harder. Set up your environment—music, a clear desk, no distractions—and start with something easy to build momentum. It's like pedaling gently before a sprint. Let flow come naturally, and you'll do more with less effort. Make Flow Your Standard Don't work just to check boxes.
Aim to work in flow, where you're fully engaged and the task feels right. It's not always possible, but prioritizing flow states—like I do when writing or biking—makes your work more effective and joyful. Use Flow to Grow Each time you enter flow, you're not just getting stuff done; you're honing your craft. Notice the patterns, learn from them, and apply them. Whether you're coding, teaching, or designing, flow is your path to expertise.
Final Thoughts Flow isn't a magic bullet, but it's the closest thing I've found to making work feel like a gift. It's how I went from a kid in rural Thailand to leading digital economy initiatives, writing blogs that resonate, and chasing big ideas without burning out. In 2025, with all the noise of modern life, flow is my anchor. It's not about being the smartest or the most disciplined—it's about finding that place where you're fully you, doing work that matters, and loving every second of it. Try it.
Set the stage, dive in, and see where flow takes you. This post is part of my 2025 revisit of my blog, where I'm sharing new stories built on old lessons. More to come.
Confidence Is Built by Failing. Full Stop.