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the_lectorem 's review for:
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I have a huge respect for the kind of non-fiction books that don't preach but teach, the kind of books that don't force 'how-to' on you but acknowledge the shortcomings of an individual and give a safe space to be aware of their 'why.' Mastering Flow by Nils Salzgeber is one such book for me that has gained my admiration for its intelligent and scholarly writing.
This book discusses 'Flow' based on empirical data and studies that have been conducted on the optimal performance state/Flow. What makes this book exceptionally good is its cohesive structure and how heavily it is backed by research. As a PhD research scholar in Psychology, I am impressed by the hundreds of studies it has referenced to present a compelling and thought-provoking walkthrough for scientifically understanding the concept of 'Flow.'
The canonical work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi serves as a foundation for every research that has been or will ever be conducted on this topic, but the author takes it a step further by integrating a pragmatic and intellectual approach. The book is systematically broken down into three parts: the first part provides the background, nature, and characteristics of Flow by presenting the suitable conditions for a flow-conducive environment. The second part covers the potential benefits and risks of the flow state by providing real-life examples of athletes who achieved success in their respective fields and also how this flow state resulted in the deaths of many. The third part takes an expository approach where the author presents some practical ways that can be beneficial to create a flow-conducive environment or state.
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this book, which felt like a learning experience, especially the first part, which was dense with the information and studies it discussed. This isn't the kind of book that one should 'binge-read' or rush through because the ideas and concepts discussed and offered are heavy to process intellectually. As a reader, one should read-pause-process-resume this book in order to truly comprehend and implement what it has to offer. Again, this isn't one of those 'how-to' books, but this book is like an instrument or 'power' of self-awareness that the author hands over to you, and you must decide how to use it or simply keep it with you.
Highly recommended for people who struggle with focus and concentration because they will get to know the science of 'why' behind it and practical ways to improve it. Also recommended for people who have read ‘Deep Work’ and ‘Indistractable’ or for those who prefer reading research-based non-fiction over forced 'self-help' books.
This book discusses 'Flow' based on empirical data and studies that have been conducted on the optimal performance state/Flow. What makes this book exceptionally good is its cohesive structure and how heavily it is backed by research. As a PhD research scholar in Psychology, I am impressed by the hundreds of studies it has referenced to present a compelling and thought-provoking walkthrough for scientifically understanding the concept of 'Flow.'
The canonical work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi serves as a foundation for every research that has been or will ever be conducted on this topic, but the author takes it a step further by integrating a pragmatic and intellectual approach. The book is systematically broken down into three parts: the first part provides the background, nature, and characteristics of Flow by presenting the suitable conditions for a flow-conducive environment. The second part covers the potential benefits and risks of the flow state by providing real-life examples of athletes who achieved success in their respective fields and also how this flow state resulted in the deaths of many. The third part takes an expository approach where the author presents some practical ways that can be beneficial to create a flow-conducive environment or state.
I thoroughly enjoyed and loved this book, which felt like a learning experience, especially the first part, which was dense with the information and studies it discussed. This isn't the kind of book that one should 'binge-read' or rush through because the ideas and concepts discussed and offered are heavy to process intellectually. As a reader, one should read-pause-process-resume this book in order to truly comprehend and implement what it has to offer. Again, this isn't one of those 'how-to' books, but this book is like an instrument or 'power' of self-awareness that the author hands over to you, and you must decide how to use it or simply keep it with you.
Highly recommended for people who struggle with focus and concentration because they will get to know the science of 'why' behind it and practical ways to improve it. Also recommended for people who have read ‘Deep Work’ and ‘Indistractable’ or for those who prefer reading research-based non-fiction over forced 'self-help' books.