🧘‍♂️ The Art Of The Autotelic Self: Embracing Flow In Daily Life


Hey Reader,

Welcome back to Living Better—your guide to enriching everyday life.

Have you ever lost yourself in an activity, so engrossed that time seems to fly? This state is often referred to as "flow," and those who frequently achieve it have what's known as an "Autotelic Personality."

Individuals with an autotelic personality have a natural ability to turn everyday tasks into rewarding experiences. They find intrinsic motivation and joy in the process, regardless of the task at hand.

Think of a time when you were completely absorbed in an activity. What were you doing, and how can you bring that level of engagement to other aspects of your life?


Today's Sneak Peek...



Long-Form Reads

MEET JANE, the mom detailing the importance of turning the mundane into magic for our kids.

“The baths, the laundry, the dishes don't have to be a chore. Take the time to explore what it takes to find beauty in the here and the now..."

MEET HELGA, the artist transforming mundane household items into works of art.

"With the world feeling like a dark place these days, being able to find joy in the little things and look on the bright side of life can take practice..."

MEET ALLIE, the woman encouraging others to find joy in the mundanity of marriage.

"Most of marriage is pretty boring and mundane. The daily to-do lists, the taking out the trash. But this doesn’t mean it’s bad..."

MEET REAGAN, the chronic illness warrior who discovered a new outlook on happiness.

“Through pain and struggle you will notice the little things and find a deep, lasting joy in living life itself. You will be forced to slow down..."

MEET MARK, the man who found joy in the unknowns of special needs parenting.

“People say ‘I’m sorry’ upon first hearing about our son’s diagnosis. We wish people would instead say it's amazing..."

MEET JAYMIE, the trauma survivor who turned her pain into joy and healing.

“'If you can’t find the light, be it,’ I heard. I didn’t understand what that meant. With bloodshot eyes, I Googled ‘how to be happy'..."


The Psychology Of Everyday Flow

Flow, as defined by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, isn't just for grand or creative pursuits. It's attainable in daily tasks, from doing dishes to organizing a workspace, when approached with an autotelic mindset.

Avantages Of Developing An Autotelic Personality:

  1. Transforms Routine Tasks: Elevates everyday activities from mundane to enriching experiences.
  2. Fosters Deep Engagement: Encourages complete immersion and concentration in simple tasks.
  3. Enhances Life Satisfaction: Regular flow experiences in daily activities contribute to overall happiness.

➣ Go Deeper: Becoming Autotelic


Quote

“Flow is not just a pleasurable state but also involves stretching oneself, developing skills, and providing meaning to one’s life."

- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi



POLL: When was the last time you fully lost yourself in an activity?

1. It happens daily
2. Recently
3. It happens once in a blue moon
4. It's been a long time



Beyond LWM: Flow, The Secret To Happiness

The journey to cultivating an autotelic self starts with reimagining how we approach our day-to-day activities. By fostering this mindset, even the most ordinary tasks can become sources of immense satisfaction and joy.

video preview

Steps To Cultivating An Autotelic Personality

  1. Find Value in the Routine: Approach daily tasks with curiosity and a desire to find value.
  2. Set Mini-Challenges: Turn mundane activities into small challenges for personal achievement.
  3. Focus on the Process: Shift focus from the end goal to the process and moment-to-moment experience.
  4. Practice Mindful Engagement: Be fully present and attentive during routine activities.
  5. Reflect on Flow Moments: Identify when and why you experience flow in everyday tasks and seek to replicate those conditions.

➣ Go Deeper: How To Enjoy Everything



POLL: What topics would you like us to explore more deeply in 2024?

1. Happiness theories and philosophies
2. Grief or trauma healing
3. Employment and career advice
4. Wellness and sobriety guidance
5. Tips for relationship building
6. Family and parenting advice


Community Spotlight

Dive into the heartwarming stories and inspiring journeys of fellow Living Better community members!

This week, we're highlighting Rob's sweet story:

"I was scrolling through pictures and found this gem. My 17-year-old Elliott and I asleep on the couch after playing Roller Coaster Tycoon.
Elliott happens to be autistic and the only reason I remember what game it was is because Elliott had this thing where he always held on to the game cases while we played a video game.
He apparently stashed this one on the back of the couch this time before he fell asleep.
I remember when he was this tiny. I miss when he was this tiny.
Time goes by so quickly. When you’re raising neurodivergent kids, it’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day autism struggles.
As parents we’re tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, and stressed.
Did I say tired? I should have said exhausted.
So many of us live in survival mode, just trying to make it through the day.
When you’re just trying to make it through the day, it’s harder to remember to take advantage of all the little moments—like this—that bring you joy.
Trust me when I say that being present and living in these moments as often as you can is so important because before you know it, they turn 17, have a full beard, and are getting ready to begin building a life of their own.
It’s bittersweet really, because life has been full of so many challenges but he’s come so far and brings such an amazing light to the world.
I’m so honored to be his dad and couldn’t be any prouder of the young man he’s becoming.
While I miss these moments when he was little, I cherish the ones we have now and look forward to the countless ones we’ve yet to experience."
- Rob, Living Better subscriber

What small shift can you make today to transform an everyday activity into a more engaging and fulfilling experience?

Until next time, live well.

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