Flow: The Psychology Of Optimal Experience

Original book. Not a copy. Very good condition.

The content is quite interesting, just finished two chapters. The author brings out many examples and scenarios which illustrates the point he is trying to bring across. For impatient readers like me, perhaps he should cut down on them and get to the "main course" earlier.Some information was scrapped off from the back cover below the barcode though (see pic).

I bought this book a couple of years ago but only read it recently. A a few years ago (right after I bought this book) someone who I looked up to summarized this book and basically said that it is about how to get into the flow state and how that is the optimal state to get anything done and make it fun. He went on to say that if you are doing something and you are two skilled for it then it will be boring and if you are doing something and it is too challenging for the skills you possess then it will bring you anxiety. However, the flow state is the sweet spot where your skills are matched with the challenge and in this flow state you enjoy the activity you are doing and you are fully engaged in it. After hearing that I thought "there is no reason to read the book anymore". Recently I started reading a lot of books again and saw this on my shelf and felt bad that I had paid for it but did not read it. I started reading it and let me tell you my friend's summary is accurate but there is so much more content in this book than just that.It talks about culture, the need for a more complex self for satisfaction, the need for challenges, flow in different areas (work, love, life) , doing vs enjoying, having a personality that deals well with hardship well and in general just how to be more happy. If you are thinking about reading this book then I would highly suggest it. It is a self help book in a way, however, it is heavily researched and the author knows what he is talking about. Definitely a insightful read.

It is quite abstract, reading a book about Flow while being in Flow.The Author does a great job in compressing his findings of years of study into condensed knowledge.Each of the Chapters is built in a logical way and you will rarely find yourself wondering when he will be done elaborating.His explainations are oftenly underlined by real life stories and quotes from surveys.This is not the typical; "Follow these 10 magical steps to find happynes" Book.Each point es built up in a scientifical manner which is not easy when talking about a toppic that is often mystified.Reading this book does in deed require a lot of concentration and I rarely managed to read more than 20 pages in one go.There are so many sentences which simply strike you because the carry the essence of long study and knowledge. I had to pause several times reflecting on the line I just had read.I still suggest this book to everyone who wants to understand what makes people happy and how one can accomplish or structure enjoyment.It is a matter that affects us all and we can all only benefit from this great piece of science.P.S.:Reading this Book from a Game Design point of view is a bliss, simply because optimal experience is such an important factor of Games.

This book explained so much - things I had experienced and never understood why. You learn how to harness your own focus & creativity. How to flick the switch - game on !