How’s it going? Are you noticing more flow in your day? Are you able to cultivate even more of it? As we’ve discussed, flow isn’t a mysterious state that happens randomly – it’s something we can strategically cultivate in our work.
We understand flow and its common antecedents:
- task variety
- autonomy
- job feedback
- task identity
- task significance
We’ve explored how task variety can be a powerful tool in promoting flow. Today, let’s take a deep dive into another essential component of flow: autonomy.
Autonomy is “the freedom to make decisions independently, without being excessively controlled or influenced, and includes having control over one’s actions, tasks, and responsibilities.” At work, this means having a say in how, when, and where to complete tasks.
Autonomy is crucial for the cultivation of flow because it provides a feeling of ownership and control over their work. This fosters more engagement, motivation, and creativity. It provides the opportunity to align work with personal strengths and interests, which also increases the likelihood of experiencing a state of flow.
Understanding Autonomy in the Context of Flow
Autonomy is the sense that we are in charge of our decisions. Of course, it does NOT mean having complete freedom. Rather it is about having ENOUGH freedom to shape how we approach our work.
With autonomy, we are more likely to feel invested in what we are doing and therefore more likely to experience flow.
The Key Aspects of Autonomy That Fuel Flow
The main aspects of autonomy are:
- Choice: Having choices in what tasks to tackle, how, and when.
- Self-management: Managing your own time, priorities, and environment.
How to Cultivate More Autonomy in Your Work
Now let’s explore practical strategies to have more autonomy in your work.
Negotiate your role
Consider negotiating with your supervisor for more freedom in how you approach your tasks. You might request more flexibility in deciding how to structure your day or the tasks you focus on, as well as opportunities to take ownership of projects or initiatives.
Seek Out Opportunities for Self-Direction
Examine your day. Look for tasks where you could make decisions about the approach. Even small decisions can make a difference in how autonomous you feel.
Prioritize Work That Aligns with Your Strengths and Interests
With the autonomy to align your work with your strengths or interests, you are more likely to feel engaged and energized. Speak up if you have preferences for certain types of tasks or projects.
Block Time for Deep Work
Set boundaries. Own your time. Set aside blocks of uninterrupted time for focused or “deep” work. Minimize distractions. Structure this time. Periods of “high-concentration work” create the environment for flow.
Embrace a Growth Mindset
Feeling free to experiment and make mistakes leads to more innovative solutions and pushing your limits. Value learning over perfection.
Seek Feedback and Reflect
Seek feedback and reflect on your progress and then make adjustments as needed to ensure you are moving in the right direction and to consider varied opportunities and resources. (This is also connected to fostering a growth mindset.)
Overcoming Challenges to Autonomy
While autonomy is key to flow, it is NOT always easy to create in the workplace.
Some workplaces have more barriers to autonomy than others. Here are a few ways to work within these constraints:
- Clarify expectations: If you autonomy is limited, understanding exactly what’s expected of you allows you to make decisions within those boundaries.
- Collaborate with others: Collaboration can increase collective autonomy and allow everyone to have input and influence.
- Advocate (respectfully) for more autonomy: Talk to your supervisor about how it could benefit both you as well as your organization. Is there a place for freedom to prioritize tasks? Adjusting deadlines? Often employers are open to ideas that lead to better performance and/or job satisfaction.
Autonomy is a powerful catalyst for flow.
With the freedom to tailor our approach to our work, we feel more motivated, engaged, and productive. Cultivating autonomy may take effort and creativity, but the rewards are worth it!.