• You cannot get into The Zone if you have a huge personal problem nagging at your mind

• You cannot get into The Zone if you have ANYTHING else on your mind

• You cannot get into The Zone if you are physically too tired

• You cannot get into The Zone if you feel overwhelmed by your scene and don't know how
  to pull it off

• You cannot get into The Zone if you don't feel slightly challenged and EXCITED by the task at hand

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The Zone is a combination of High Energy, Positive Attitude, a Clear Mind, Excitement, Concentration and Confidence.

The Zone can typically last for 30-90 minutes, as this is what is known as the "Ultradian Rhythm", which is the natural rhythm of the human body throughout the day. I have also found that having ANYTHING distract me will break me out of The Zone.
This includes:

• Instant messages
• Text Messages
• Emails
• Phone Calls
• Questions from workmates, or even overhearing their conversations - you need to 'tune out'

I have made a 30 minute Video on The Zone, as well as two downloadable charts to help you reach The Zone: How To Get Into The Zone

You can actually TRAIN YOURSELF to get into and STAY in The Zone! This is a scientific fact.

FIRST you must start by being more AWARE and Conscious:

• If you eat a meal but don't pay attention, you won't enjoy all the flavors and textures in it.
• If you watch a movie while half asleep, you won't catch all of the subtle plot point nor appreciate the acting.

How can you train yourself to be more aware? DRAW

• When you draw, you really pay attention to the DETAILS and this pulls us into focus.
• Drawing regularly can progressively train us to concentrate for longer and longer periods of time

You can also help yourself focus by setting a clear GOAL of what you want to achieve.

NEXT you need to lose your awareness of time.

The best way to lose awareness of time is to set apart a period of time specifically allotted to your predefined task, and to block out all distractions and interruptions as much as possible (unplug your network cable and your headphones).

• I find by leaving my unplugged headphones on, people assume I'm listening to something and leave me alone

In my experience, it takes at least 15 (uninterrupted) minutes to enter a state of flow.

FINALLY you must balance the challenge of your task

• If the task is too hard, you will become stressed out and worried
• If the task is too easy, you will become bored and lose interest and concentration

Again, your challenge is related to your GOAL. It must be specific, and it must be challenging but not too stressful for you.

If you regularly practice these Three steps, you will find yourself falling into The Zone more and more often, and more easily.

ONE LAST TIP:

You also need to let your mind wander, so take 5-10 minute breaks between your 'Zone' sessions and just let loose. Go play air hockey or hackey-sac.

Do ANYTHING that is completely unrelated to work and if possible, away from a computer.

-DJ