You can be like Mike…kind of
This dunk is one of my favorite memories of the great Michael “Air” Jordan. Next time you are around a basketball court, take a look at how far the free throw line is from the rim, and it will remind you how difficult it is to jump that far away( the FT line is 15ft btw). It is incredible MJ could “one-up” Julius “Dr. J” Erving dunk from the free-throw line.
We are in a time in our lives with a high level of uncertainty, and vacancy of sports has many people watching old paramount games consisting of remarkable plays, last-second shots, or great players that are now retired. This nostalgic feeling is amazing and probably even leads into “glory days” stories being shared with the kids or significant others. It reminded me of a statement that a wise old man once said to me is that “the lies get bigger the older you get.”
I approach this article with the discussion of Michael Jordan due to the great documentary, The Last Dance, that is currently on ESPN. As we watch this documentary about Michael Jordan’s career we get the fascinating insights into his life, his teammates lives, and the factors that led to the extraordinary Chicago Bulls teams that won championships and comprised of great players like Toni Kukoc, Steve Kerr, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and many others.
Since we missed one of my favorite sports times of the year — March Madness — it fills the void that we get to watch the 10-part documentary.
A topic that has been stated by many great athletes and has been a common term for basketball is when a player is “in the zone.” To hit the big shots, make the big plays, and have the keen focus to win dunk contests (links at the end), you have to be able to find the “zone.” MJ’s zone externally may have been when his tongue was out. Any great athlete has had the moments where they have felt this feeling.
This topic falls under human motivation and positive psychology, and it is flow theory.
We may not have the ability to do the fascinating things that Michael Jordan and other great athletes did, but the flow experience is not limited to the domain of sports. Initially researched in sports and musicians by the great researcher Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who defined flow as a state of deep absorption in an activity that is intrinsically enjoyable where individuals are so focused on the ongoing activity, and they tend to forget concerns. They lose track of time and feel a deep sense of well-being with the task. This optimal state is when both an activity’s challenges and the skills necessary to perform match one another.
Csikszentmihalyi was an early advocate of positive psychology, but many know his coauthor on the significant paper as one of the fathers of positive psychology — Martin Seligman.
Why does this topic matter, and how can I be like Mike?
The characteristics that allow for a person to be in the state of flow are those in the environment that the activity is done. The state of flow is ubiquitous and has been examined in different athletes, musicians, cultures, social classes, and ages, as well as in the workplace.
McKinsey researchers conducted a study on flow that you can take to heart or speak to a client about if they are not fulfilled in life or their work. In a ten-year study, top executives reported being 5x more productive in flow. According to McKinsey’s research, by increasing the time we spend in flow by 15–20%, you could double your overall workplace productivity. The concept of flow may seem far-fetched, but great companies like Facebook, Google, Toyota, and Patagonia have made attributes of flow a fundamental part of their culture.
When examining flow in the work setting, it would be mindful of providing you with actual tools for discovery. Leonardo da Vinci is contributed, saying that “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” and Dr. Bakker’s three-factor model for work-related flow is ideal for simplification. Look for the task or moments in your job that you find these three facets — intrinsically motivating, absorption, and enjoyment.
In closing, flow is a variable that I am currently researching and is a passion of mine as a former college basketball athlete. The takeaway for the topic is that we are in a time of uncertainty where our absence of normal can strongly affect our well-being. Take some time in your day to examine the moments or have self-discovery to find the activities that are flow experiences for yourself. Csikszentmihalyi and LeFevre found years ago that the majority of flow experiences happen while at work. Since work looks different now, make sure you have these moments for your overall health.
~ Hutch
Here is a link to the historic Wilkins vs. Jordan in the dunk contest that is one of my favorites. Dominique has always been my favorite dunker. You will see why he is known as “the Human Highlight Film.”
Dominique Wilkins and Michael Jordan Dunk Contest
Dr. J and Michael Jordan Free Throw Line Dunks
Be Like Mike Gatorade Commercial
Continued Learning about the topic of FLOW:
