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How to Get in the Zone?

by kolbywhite28
15 replies
Has anybody experienced what is known as the Zone? I think I have experienced it before and it lasted for one month. I haven't really been able to replicate it since. Basically, I was more productive in that one month than I have ever been in any year.
#zone
  • Profile picture of the author Heart Cardio
    Yes there have been many times when I have been in the zone and other times I lost it. There are days, sometimes weeks ,when I can get so much done but then other times I just lack the motivation or something to do things I need to get done.
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    • Profile picture of the author Freedom Media
      Research shows it takes a minimum of 15 minutes concentration to get in to peak
      productivity or what we consider the zone.
      One thing that I do that helps is to set a timer, I just use the one that comes on my Iphone.
      I set the timer for 30 minutes or so and write for at least 30 minutes.
      I've found more often than not I will continue on for often times over an hour.
      So that may help, make a list of what important task related to your business or personal goals that you want to get done, set a timer and get started.
      .
      Best,
      ~Natalie
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  • Profile picture of the author Heart Cardio
    Good advice that you have offered Natalie. I did not know that it does take 15 minutes to get into the peak. But now I know so I will have to test that out.
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  • Profile picture of the author konakid
    The only way I can get in the zone is if I'm doing something that I'm really excited about. I don't think there is anyway to force it, you just have to be legitimately interested in what you are doing.

    To get in the zone, find a project that you are really interested in. Do yourself a favor and work on what you love!
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    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      It's harder if I haven't had intense physical activity in a few days. Sometimes music helps but if i haven't meditated that day its most likely going to be very difficult for me. So intense exercise and meditation appear to be my zone prerequisites. Espresso on occasion also helps but i try not to drink caffeine so much any more.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jarmila
        Originally Posted by heavysm View Post

        It's harder if I haven't had intense physical activity in a few days. Sometimes music helps but if i haven't meditated that day its most likely going to be very difficult for me. So intense exercise and meditation appear to be my zone prerequisites. Espresso on occasion also helps but i try not to drink caffeine so much any more.
        I'm with you on this one! Exercise, and especially meditation, help me get in the Zone. The Zone is basically when your brain is in the alpha or theta activity state - you know, like when you're driving and daydreaming, totally focused on your daydream and suddenly you realize that you're miles down the road...

        If I meditate and exercise every day (which I do) I find it super easy to focus. I am also very much into nutrition - no sugar, no processed junk, no gluten, and only the occasional coffee. Every food creates a chemical reaction in your body, so be careful what you put in it (ever try to concentrate after a heavy carb-laden meal?).
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      • Profile picture of the author Freedom Media
        Originally Posted by heavysm View Post

        It's harder if I haven't had intense physical activity in a few days. Sometimes music helps but if i haven't meditated that day its most likely going to be very difficult for me. So intense exercise and meditation appear to be my zone prerequisites. Espresso on occasion also helps but i try not to drink caffeine so much any more.
        Sounds like you are a lot like me...very motion oriented. Try to add in ways that you can stay in motion more, or at least standing to keep from feeling tied down.
        For people like us that closes off creativity and puts us in anxiety.
        There's various ways you can work with this, one thing that I do is use my Iphone and the free app from Dragon Naturally speaking voice recognition to record articles, ideas, emails, etc...
        I also don't try to stay in an office, I set my laptop in vary open areas in my house so I have the feeling of space and not being confined...sounds weird - but helps immensely.
        Hope that gives you some ideas.
        ~Natalie
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    • Profile picture of the author Heart Cardio
      Originally Posted by konakid View Post

      The only way I can get in the zone is if I'm doing something that I'm really excited about. I don't think there is anyway to force it, you just have to be legitimately interested in what you are doing.

      To get in the zone, find a project that you are really interested in. Do yourself a favor and work on what you love!
      I agree. I have worked on a few projects that were just not good for me to do. They really drained me but I made a commitment to do them and so I had to. You learn I guess.
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  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Originally Posted by kolbywhite28 View Post

    Has anybody experienced what is known as the Zone? I think I have experienced it before and it lasted for one month. I haven't really been able to replicate it since. Basically, I was more productive in that one month than I have ever been in any year.
    Hahah ya I guess what you mean by being 'in the zone' is when you have increased focus and productivity.

    You should try meditating for 10 minutes once you wake up to clear your head and focus on what you need to get done for the day.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sue McDonald
    Yes there are times when you seem to achieve everything that you set for yourself and then there are others where it is very difficult. Focus on what you want to achieve and set yourself a mental picture of achieving it.
    Meditation certainly helps change your thought patterns. Don't allow yourself to have negative thoughts. Stay positive and on track. You must believe in your heart that you can achieve all of your goals.
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  • Profile picture of the author laraGTN
    You know what helps me? A lack of sleep! Seriously it seems to quiet my Monkey Mind a lot easier when I haven't slept much. There's a fine line and if I get too little sleep I can't focus at all but if I get just a bit less sleep than usual I can get into the zone easier.

    But I don't choose sleep deprivation for everything (obviously, it would stop being sleep deprivation if I did it every night!) and simply find that writing regularly gets me into the zone fairly quickly. I also discovered meditation on a regular basis works well too - they both quiet my inner critic that can get in the way when I'm working on a project.
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  • Profile picture of the author Elvis Michael
    Been trying to find that ******* since last October. That month I did an incredible amount of writing... more than I had ever done.

    I'm thinking of setting a timer, since it's helped in the past. Here's another thing that might work for you: Achieve small goals and don't think of the big picture, because it might overwhelm you. If you're writing a short book, for example, just focus on the first 1,000 words, then take a small break and write another 1,000 words when you're ready (without slacking off for too long.) Before you know it, you'll have a few thousand words written that day.
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  • Profile picture of the author Vortex Creator
    For me "being in the zone" is a state of "through me", where I notice Source wants to express itself and uses me as the vehicle. So all I do is hang on for the ride and enjoy it. We don't really have to add momentum to being in the zone but let go of all our self-imposed limitations that didn't let us go with that compelling feeling in the first place.

    The biggest "AHAs" I get when I'm in the zone are 1. I didn't know it could be this easy and 2. Why was I worried again about this or that?
    Lol, it's kinda funny how one hour being in the zone can wipe out months or even years of worry, struggle and limitations.
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  • Profile picture of the author Japles
    I follow the steps in this video every single morning and it helps to put me in the zone for being productive and successful.



    Also, If you're looking for inspiration, here are 2 great videos:


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    YOU are awesome :)

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