#006: Steven Kotler on Feeling Superhuman, Increasing Flow in Life, and Productive Writing

Steven Kotler (@steven_kotler) is a true flow enthusiast. Ever since the bestselling author, journalist and entrepreneur defeated Lyme Disease by going surfing and drifting into the highly rewarding state of consciousness, Steven made it his mission to decode the workings behind flow. The highly productive writer and founder of the Flow Genome Project has been published in a variety of magazines including The New York Times Magazine, Wired, GQ, and Discover and has written multiple bestsellers including Abundance and Bold, which he co-authored with Human Longevity Inc. founder Peter H. Diamandis. Last year, he published his book The Rise of Superman: Decoding the Science of Ultimate Human Performance, in which explores the flow state.

 

In this episode of the Flowgrade Show, flow expert Steven Kotler explains the state of consciousness known as "flow", an optimal state in which humans perform and feel their best. Steven describes the different states of flow, how long they usually last and how he wrote a whole book jumping in and out of flow. Find out at the end, which psychoactive drug Steven prefers to take on a deserted island with him.

 

In this episode, we talk about:

• The definition of the flow state (1:02)
• Steven’s most effective flow triggers (02:02)
• How to increase flow in your life (02:45)
• Micro- versus macro-flow (3:42)
• Duration times of different flow states (4:55)
• How the Flow Genome Project wants to help people get more flow (6:05)
• How to measure the state of flow reliably (7:10)
• 3 things Steven would take on a deserted island (8:20)

 

Enjoy! All show notes, links, and resources from this episode can be found at www.flowgrade.com/show

 

This podcast is brought to you by Flowgrade, the brand for balanced self optimization. Flowgrade offers a unique blend of high quality products and actionable content to help people eat healthier, sleep better, live happier, think clearer, and look fitter. Check us out at flowgrade.com and subscribe to our weekly newsletter with healthy recipes and cutting-edge content to stay on top.

 

Thank you for listening!