Flow, a psychological state described by researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi roughly akin to being “in the zone” is important to social marketing success. Larry Mullins provided a great overview of Flow in an Amazon Review:
Flow are those inexplicable moments of indescribable happiness that we experience at rare intervals, when we are "surprised by joy." These precious moments seem to be gifts, almost accidental peak experiences in which life seems rich with meaning, joy and wonder. When and why do these magic episodes intrude upon our humdrum existences? Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's answer may surprise you: "Contrary to what we usually believe, moments like these, the best moments of our lives, are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times ... The best moments of our lives usually occur when a person's body or mind is stretched to the limits in a voluntary moment to achieve something difficult and worthwhile. Optimal experience is thus something we make happen ... For each person there are thousands of opportunities, challenges to expand ourselves."
Csikszentmihalyi's theme is happiness. This philosopher-psychologist points out the Aristotelian concept that all other things we seek, riches, fame, power, etc. are valued only because we believe they will make us happy. Based upon decades of research on the mystery of happiness, Csikszentmihalyi defines it as moments of self-forgetfulness when we are totally absorbed in the process of life ... intervals of peak creativity and self-expression. He expands upon the research of Abraham Maslow and agrees that peak experiences are within the reach of us all.
I don’t copy reviews as a rule, but there are key ideas Larry’s Flow review such as:
- Flow challenges our minds perhaps close to its limits.
- Enter Flow When we are after something “difficult and worthwhile”.
- There are thousands of chances for FLOW or peak experience everyday.
- Flow is total absorption.
I’m heavily involved in social media and FLOW is a critical concept. Social media marketing happens in near real time. Any interpreter of social media market’s real time signals will be taxed fully challenged. Social signals must be watched, fed and reacted to immediately.
Social Marketing Flow Part 2 Friday
Social Media Flow Part 2 Tomorrow followed by 3 and 4 including a new Job Description for a Social Media Flow Manager Friday and through the weekend on ScentTrail Marketing.
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