Catching the Wave: How to Harness and Protect Your Creative Flow
- Liza Engel
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
Have you ever experienced a surge of powerful inspiration that ideas came pouring out effortlessly? That sensation—often referred to as being “in the flow”—is where creativity and productivity reach their peak. But do these moments happen by chance, or can they be cultivated by design? More importantly, how do we protect them from the inevitable grind of daily life?
The Spark of an Idea
A few weeks ago, during a presentation, I found myself completely captivated—not just by the content but also by the way the story was told and how the audience responded. Suddenly, a fresh insight struck: What if I approached the concept of net-zero emissions from the needs of our clients, especially within a B2B context? That simple shift could be the pivot I needed better to communicate the value of a strong net-zero strategy.
The very next day, energized by this idea, I was in a state of flow as I restructured a key presentation to lead with our client’s needs before diving into the technical details. The result? It landed. The message was more impactful—and delivering it felt incredibly satisfying.
Understanding the Flow State
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi defines “flow” as a complete immersion in an activity where creativity, focus, and performance are at their highest. Neuroscientist Steven Kotler adds that during flow, the brain releases a potent mix of neurochemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine—heightening attention, motivation, and even joy. That’s one cocktail I’d happily order on repeat.
Riding the Wave of Creative Energy
When you’re in flow, it feels like catching the perfect wave. There’s a moment of stillness—then suddenly, you’re up and gliding, propelled by something bigger than you. You’re not forcing it. You’re in rhythm.
That energy—the momentum, clarity, and drive—is pure creative gold. It’s not just about ideas coming quickly; it’s about how alive you feel in the process. Just like surfing, it requires presence, trust, and timing. You can’t control the wave but can position yourself to catch it. And when you do, it carries you further than effort alone ever could.
This is why nurturing the conditions for creativity is so important.
Flow doesn’t come from pushing—it comes from aligning. When your energy, environment, and focus line up, you’re no longer paddling upstream. You’re riding the wave.
Barriers to Creativity
Of course, not every day feels like an energetic ride. Stress and multitasking can sabotage your ability to reach a flow state. Elevated cortisol, the stress hormone, impairs the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and creativity. In overwhelming moments, your best ideas often feel just out of reach.
Cultivating Your Creative Environment
I recently mapped out my patterns to better understand when I tap into flow. I asked myself these questions—you might find them helpful, too:
What activity was I engaged in? What exactly was I doing when I felt completely immersed?
Where was I? Was I in a familiar space, out in nature, or somewhere new?
What time of day was it? Did my energy peak in the morning, afternoon, or evening?
Was I alone or with others? Did solitude fuel my focus, or did collaboration spark new ideas?
What tools or materials was I using? Was I writing, sketching, building, or brainstorming?
Was it a task with a deadline or a spontaneous idea? Was I responding to external pressure or following internal motivation?
What was the reward or outcome? Recognition, personal satisfaction, completion—what made it feel worthwhile?
How aligned was it with my broader purpose? Did the task connect to the person I’m becoming or my vision for the year?
Designing My Flow Space
Recognizing how much my environment shapes my mindset, I recently redesigned part of my home workspace to reflect what truly inspires me.
My favorite chair now faces a breathtaking view of the Swiss Alps. It’s where I often sit to work and quietly watch the sunrise. On the adjacent wall hang black-and-white photographs I captured in the wild landscapes of Alberta, Canada—images that instantly bring a smile to my face.
Beside them is a painting that holds deep meaning. It reminds me of the plays I used to write and perform during childhood summers—stories of an Irish family navigating the complexities of immigration. That young storyteller still lives within me.
And then there’s my latest find: a Philips Hue adjustable light. It's a total game-changer. It lets me shift the color and intensity to match my mood or the energy I want to invite in. (Whoever created that was definitely in flow.)
Together, these elements create more than just a beautiful space—they cue my brain that it’s time to create. Especially in the quiet magic of early morning, everything aligns.
So, where did this idea come from? A dear friend recommended the book “Just Kids” by Patti Smith, and her poetic reflections on creativity and space deeply resonated with me. What struck me most was that it wasn’t about money or a designer’s touch but about creating something personal with what you already have. When your space speaks to your soul, your creativity starts to flow.
Protecting Your Creative Time
Once you’ve found your flow, the next step is protecting it.
Safeguarding creative time starts with clear communication—with yourself and others. Set boundaries. Let your team or loved ones know when you’re “in session.” Dare to say “not now” when needed. Give your ideas the uninterrupted space they deserve to unfold and grow.
Actionable Steps to Enhance Your Creative Flow
Engage Fully: Give attention to one task at a time—multitasking is a myth.
Design Your Space: Surround yourself with objects, colors, and textures that inspire and energize you.
Set Boundaries: Protect your time by setting clear expectations with those around you.
Embrace Downtime: Let your mind wander during routine tasks. This activates the brain’s default mode network, where creativity often brews.
Manage Stress: Incorporate practices like mindfulness, movement, or even a quiet walk to reduce cortisol and restore clarity.
By intentionally designing your environment and honoring your time, you can catch the creative wave when it comes—and ride it with joy, ease, and purpose. And on the days when nothing is flowing, and inspiration is hard to find? Remember: your flow rituals, creative space, and boundaries are your life ring. They’ll keep you afloat until the next wave rolls in.
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