In The Zone

The zone. It's a magical place to be. The zone is a moment in time when everything is clicking and flowing.

We often think of it in terms of sports. With March Madness upon us, I always think of the point guard who is shooting the lights out. He's in the zone. He can't and doesn't miss. Shots are flowing. There is a rhythm, a tempo, a feeling of insurmountable confidence.   

We find ourselves in the zone in all aspects of life at one time or another. It's a place that we all seek, be it in our work lives, our athletic endeavors, or our creative pursuits. But we also find ourselves struggling at times to find it.

It's a sweet place to behold, that zone.  Some have called it "flow". It can be a hard feeling to describe but you definitely know when you're there!

And there are times when you simply aren't there - for whatever reason. No matter how hard you try, you can't hit that shot or put the paint on the canvas the way you want to do so. The words just don't fall onto the page the way they typically do. You can't wrap your head around a problem or brainstorm to save your life. It can be an ugly sensation.

You may feel disconnected. The more disconnected you feel, the bigger the struggle is to find the zone once again. This can lead to frustration which never seems to end. Now the shots really don't drop. The paint dries on your brush before ever hitting the canvas. Those words barely come out of the pen, let alone in sentences that are grammatically correct.

The problem is that the harder you try to get into the zone, the more difficult it is to actually get there. It is a conundrum of epic proportions.

The solution is almost counter-intuitive but Zen-like. Just step back and breath. Accept what is as it is. Let go.

But I will be the first to say that it can be a huge challenge to let go. It can be hard to accept. Surely I must be able to force the words out, or just keep practicing harder or longer. Or so we think.

When it comes to intellectual pursuits or creative challenges, taking a step back is the best option. It is what it is ... and that is ok.

Enjoy being in the zone when you are there. The sweet spot is a beautiful place, indeed. But if you're not, no worries. Breath, relax, and accept what is - and you'll find yourself heading back in no time.

Photo credits: thatjonjackson

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