Have you ever been so intrigued by the work that you’re doing, so passionate about it, that the minutes and hours seem to breeze by and other people struggle to pry you away? If so, congratulations! You’ve entered into a flow state.
“Flow state” is a term that describes a person’s mental place of least resistance. It’s a space where passion and inspiration meet and time fades away. Some people are lucky enough to achieve their flow state every day at their job. Others try to chase that all-illusive feeling, just to come up short.
Each of the sixteen Myers-Briggs types can reach flow by engaging their dominant cognitive function. Because each of the eight dominant cognitive functions are shared by two types, they will be paired accordingly for the following examples.
Introverted Intuition (Ni)
INFJs and INTJs both have Introverted Intuition (Ni) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Introverted Intuition allows INFJs and INTJs to accurately read between the lines. It helps them see “behind the curtain” of what’s real and come to certain epiphanies about themselves and the world around them. Ni gathers information and spots patterns on a subconscious level. In order to reach flow state Ni-doms need to rest into a meditative mental state and express their thoughts freely.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Meditate in a quiet, undisturbed environment.
- Record creative predictions about the future.
- Step into imaginary worlds that require heavy strategy (board games, video games, virtual reality, reading, writing, etc).
Since Ni is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for ENFJs and ENTJs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Extroverted Intuition (Ne)
ENTPs and ENFPs both have Extroverted Intuition (Ne) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Extroverted Intuition allows ENTPs and ENFPs to be good at brainstorming, horrible at sticking to a routine, inspired by the start up, terrible at the follow through, captivated by new experiences, and stifled by repetitive mundane tasks. In order to reach flow state Ne-doms need to actively brainstorm and vividly pattern-recognize.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Openly discuss and collaborate with other intuitive types.
- Engage in a creative activity that has no deadline.
- Travel somewhere new and bask in the novel experience.
Since Ne is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for INFPs and INTPs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Introverted Feeling (Fi)
INFPs and ISFPs both have Introverted Feeling (Fi) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Introverted Feeling allows INFPs and ISFPs to explore the depths of themselves and feel incredibly hurt when others do not seek to understand them. Fi explains why they have a strong sense of right and wrong and are baffled when others do things without conviction. This function helps them empathize with others and understand the world through unique eyes. In order to reach flow state Fi-doms need to discover and express their authentic self.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Reflect on personal growth through journaling, meditation, etc.
- Spend solitary time visualizing one’s best self.
- Engage in pursuits that thoroughly and authentically align with one’s values.
Since Fi is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for ENFPs and ESFPs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Extroverted Feeling (Fe)
ENFJs and ESFJs both have Extroverted Feeling (Fe) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Extroverted Feeling allows ENFJs and ESFJs to be incredibly perceptive socially and feel at home with their friends. It’s why they love interacting with people and prize genuine, personal connection over large groups of indifferent followers. In order to reach a flow state Fe-doms need to be surrounded by a community that they can impact and be impacted by.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Spend quality time with close family and friends.
- Speak out compassionately for what they believe.
- Engage in media that explores human behavior and motive (documentaries, autobiographies, etc.)
Since Fe is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for INFJs and ISFJs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
INTPs and ISTPs both have Introverted Thinking (Ti) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Introverted Thinking causes INTPs and ISTPs to deeply analyze how things work and how things are. Ti prioritizes logic and keeps the user skeptical of “universal truths.” In order to reach a flow state Ti-doms need to be given the autonomy to improve systems and structures around them.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Take something apart, just to see how it works, and then put it back together again.
- Explore the depth of an argument, and then test for blind spots by playing devil’s advocate.
- Play games that involve strategy and/or meticulousness.
Since Ti is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for ENTPs and ESTPs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Extroverted Thinking (Te)
ENTJs and ESTJs both have Extroverted Thinking (Te) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Extroverted Thinking causes ENTJs and ESTJs to excel as leaders and strategists. Te helps them to collect and piece apart data, come up with efficient plans, schedule their time well, and learn new information quickly. In order to reach a flow state Te-doms need to be mentally stimulated, curious, and actively organize the information they’re given.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Engage in stimulating, intellectual conversation.
- Listen to, and learn from, a trustworthy authority figure.
- Organize goals and evaluate personal and professional progress.
Since Te is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for INFJs and ISTJs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Introverted Sensing (Si)
ISFJs and ISTJs both have Introverted Sensing (Si) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Introverted Sensing causes ISFJs and ISTJs to relive past experiences with incredible accuracy. Si prizes fact over inspiration and trusts tradition over novelty. Si gives ISFJs and ISTJs a good sense of humor, attentiveness, and resourcefulness. In order to reach flow state Si-doms need to engage in familiar activities and rest in their expertise.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Tell a detailed story from the past and acknowledge feelings around it.
- Thrive within daily routines, chopping out anything that isn’t beneficial.
- Practice known things and become an expert in one area.
Since Si is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for ESFJs and ESTJs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
Extroverted Sensing (Se)
ESFPs and ESTPs both have Extroverted Sensing (Se) as their dominant, or primary, cognitive function.
Extroverted Sensing causes ESFPs and ESTPs to be excellent at reacting to thing in the moment, horrible at sitting still for very long, eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible, unlikely to dwell on the future, and prone to risk-taking. In order to reach flow state Se-doms need to immerse themselves in their physical environment and have the ability to react to things in real-time.
Three Practical Ways to Reach Flow State
- Engage all five senses in a single activity.
- Try a new restaurant or physical experience.
- Dive into a fast-paced hobby or game.
Since Se is the secondary, or auxiliary, cognitive function for ISFPs and ISTPs, they may also reach their own flow state through the above activities.
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All these examples are general ways to achieve flow state for each of the eight cognitive functions, but reaching flow really is a highly personal thing that will depend on past experiences, personal growth and development, passions and hobbies, and so much more! An activity that helps one INTJ achieve their flow state, for example, may fall flat for a different INTJ. It’s all just a process of exploration and trial-and-error.
Questions for Further Thought and Discussion
- Are you familiar with your own flow state?
- What activities help you feel energized and inspired?
- Has your flow state shifted throughout your life?
- How often to reach flow? Once a week? Daily? Monthly?
- Do you think your flow state is common for your MBTI type?
- How might Enneagram type connect to flow state?
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