For the past four days, I’ve been on a writing retreat at Madingley Hall. I failed on day one!
My goal was to write at least 4000 words to catch up on my project.
But… instead of writing, I found myself resting, reading, and taking time to think—things I don’t often get at home. Can you relate?
So, I changed my approach. I recognized that I could still make my retreat successful by embracing the Flow Cycle.
The Flow Cycle is a well-researched model that highlights 4 stages in creating writing flow.
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Stage 1: Struggle
• You’re absorbing new knowledge and loading your brain with information.
• Examples include deep research, learning new techniques or tools, and intense reading.
• It’s demanding work, and your brain is using a lot of energy.
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Stage 2: Release
• You take your mind off the problem and disengage to digest what you’ve learned
• Your brain will solve the problem in the background, connecting the dots
• You engage in less demanding activities: emails, arts and craft, taking a walk, play an instrument, take a shower, meditate, etc.
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Stage 3: Flow
• Your brain utilises the newly digested insights to write effortlessly—entering a state of flow.
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Stage 4: Recover
• You can’t maintain flow indefinitely; it’s crucial to recharge.
• Practice self-care activities such as healthy eating, getting sunlight, adequate sleep, movement, meditation, stretching, or enjoying a hot bath.
• If you don’t take your recovery time, you are NOT ready for another round of the flow cycle (and you’re likely to burn out).
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Ask yourself right now, which of the 4 stages are you in with your current project?
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BONUS:
💻 Watch the complete Flow Cycle Training from my 90-Day Accelerator program: https://tinyurl.com/flowcycletraining
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