In the flow

I’ve had many people ask how I wrote a book.

My answer every time has been, “I really don’t know, but what I can tell you is that it felt effortless.” That doesn’t mean it wasn’t challenging at times and took many hours writing at my desk. I can honestly say that I was in the flow.

What is the flow?

Being immersed in, highly focused, and completely absorbed in a task. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows the previous one as you use your skills to the utmost and create freely.

I have experienced being in the flow (or the zone) lots of times before. I love to paint and do home remodel projects. I lose all track of time and am totally immersed in what I’m doing. I feel that when I’m doing hair sometimes. Every time I sit at my desk to write, I am immersed in my project.

Being in the flow is about getting out of our busy head, shutting off that inner critic and enjoying being in the moment. It’s about being present and not thinking about the outcome. It’s about dropping into your heart and feeling the joy of creating something you love.

I heard some wisdom on a podcast some time ago that also gave me some insight into why the process of writing felt so effortless to me.

Never link your confidence to your abilities. Link your confidence to your intentions.

I didn’t realize at the time that’s what I did when I wrote my book or when I speak. If I had linked my confidence to my ability to write a book, I would never have been able to do it. I have little training in writing, I’m not the best at punctuation or sentence structure.

My confidence to write a book and speak comes from my intention to heal and share who I am with others. My focus is on my intention. The outcome is not as important as expressing myself through my intention.

What can you gain the confidence to do by focusing on your intention instead of your ability?

When we change the world changes.