Csikszentmihalyi's Concept of Flow Applied to My Time as a Student Athlete

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Csikszentmihalyi developed the concept of flow and the various charatestics it consist of such as setting goals , finding a balance between challenges and skill , focusing on the craft instead of outside factors , and more. Flow as defined by Csikszentmihalyi , is the state of optimal experience. Flow activities are done for their own sake and not for extrinisic rewards. Flow experiences have defined qualities which consist of goal setting , and working towards these goals with appropriate steps , and a positive outlook. When you are in a flow state , time doesn’t matter , the task at hand is important , no self image concerns , and the experience is rewarding in the inner aspect , not the outer. You have to be motivated to have the flow experience. The goals set must be in order of what a person is trying to achieve , and a response should be given for both positive and negative actions.

My personal flow experience deals with being a collegiate level student athlete. This entails goal setting , immediate feedback , and no fear of failure. When you are a collegiate level athlete yo...

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