How Flow States Can Help You as a Freelance Copywriter

The life of a freelance copywriter isn’t always all it’s cracked up to be. Sure, we can set our own hours, and “work from anywhere,” but this lack of structure can sometimes lead to procrastination, inefficiency, and writer’s block that make projects take longer than they need to. This can make it difficult to be successful in a career in which you’re generally paid for your output, not your time. So, wouldn’t it be great if we could write in less time without sacrificing quality, while also actually enjoying the work? This isn’t a pipe dream. It’s possible, even probable, if you learn to leverage flow states effectively.

What Are Flow States?

If you don’t know what flow states are, don’t worry. A lot of people don’t even use the term “flow states” and say things like “being in the zone” or “deep work.” Whatever phraseology you prefer, here’s a little background.

First, let’s start with a simple definition of what “flow” is, from Psychology Today: “Flow is a cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity—from painting and writing to prayer and surfboarding. It involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the loss of awareness of time and self.”

Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who coined the term, found that when people were in the course of flow, they were able to persist in a task, regardless of fatigue or even hunger. In his book Flow, he describes it as “a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter.”

Benefits of Flow States for Freelancers

The explanation of what a flow state is can make it seem like it’s some magical state you only access on rare occasions. In reality, though, you can flow states regularly, and they can do wonders for freelancers. Let’s go through a few reasons why.

It Increases Productivity

As any freelance copywriter knows, there are times when writing feels like pulling teeth. A project you thought would take an hour can suddenly take four. Part of this is because writing often takes an incredible amount of focus.

This is where flow states come in handy.

When you’re in a flow state, you’re absorbed in the task at hand and are able to fully concentrate on your work. This uninterrupted time means you can be more productive and write more in less time. And this is backed by research, as a 10-year study by McKinsey found that flow states made executives five times more productive. So what can take you five hours to do in a regular state, might take just an hour if you’re accessing a flow state.

It Makes Work More Enjoyable

Flow states can also make your work more enjoyable.

How?

Well, first of all, there is a lack of self-consciousness during flow states that makes it easier to let go of the anxiety about the results of a task. And what copywriter hasn’t experienced writer’s block simply because they’re nervous that what they will write is bad?

There is also some evidence that flow states can offset frustration that results from doing a difficult task, making it easier to push through the difficulty.

It Improves Your Work

So we know that flow states can help your work become more enjoyable and easier to do in less time.

But can it make your work better?

ABSOLUTELY.

It’s simple. Flow states make you think more clearly, and work done with a clear mind will almost always be better than work done with a jumbled mind. You can produce better ideas and access your creativity more effectively.

How to Enter a Flow State

Being able to enter a flow state clearly comes with enormous benefits. But it’s not necessarily easy to do. And since flow states also don’t last forever (usually they last around 30 minutes to a few hours), understanding how to consistently get your mind in this state is vital to getting the benefits of flow.

Set Clear Goals

Before you get yourself ready to access a flow state, decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Whether it’s writing a certain number of words or completing a specific section of a project, having a clear goal gives you direction and focus.

Choose Peak Times

Most people have specific times of the day in which they’re more alert than others. So, if you want to access a flow state effectively, make sure you know which times of the day your mind is typically at its peak. Then, schedule flow state sessions for these times.

Establish a Ritual

Most of us aren’t able to turn flow states on and off like a light bulb. It can take some preparation. So, create a pre-work routine that signals to your brain that it’s time to get into flow. This could be as simple as making a cup of coffee, listening to a particular type of music, or doing a few minutes of meditation. Consistently following this ritual can help you transition into a flow state more easily.

Choose the Right Task

There are certain types of tasks that are better for inducing a flow state. Tasks that are too easy can make getting into a flow state very difficult. At the same time, a task that is too hard can also make accessing a flow state difficult. So, pick tasks that are challenging enough to keep you engaged but not so difficult that they become frustrating. This balance helps maintain your interest and keeps you from getting bored or overwhelmed.

Eliminate Distractions

Create a workspace free from interruptions. Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, close unnecessary tabs, and let others know not to disturb you. A quiet, clutter-free environment helps you concentrate better.

Use Flow States In Your Freelancing Career

There’s always going to be things we can improve upon in our freelancing journeys. And while that can be frustrating at times, it also keeps things interesting!

Learning to harness flow states can be a game-changer, helping you boost productivity, enhance the quality of your work, and find more enjoyment in what you do. So what are you waiting for? Follow the tips laid out in this article and try flow states out for yourself. You won’t regret it!

About the Author

Michaela Ruiz is a passionate writer and web designer. You can learn more from her at HigoCreative.com, where she writes about blogging, copywriting, web design and more.