Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience

by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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Waterstones
Paperback • £16.99–£19.99
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  • ID: 3289
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
Medium - Human Restoration Project · 2025-10-17
mixed 3.50

While the book contains valuable insights, it could benefit from a more concise presentation. The numerous anecdotes, while interesting, sometimes dilute the core message.

The reviewer acknowledges the book's strength in exploring the concept of flow but finds the presentation somewhat meandering. They appreciate the depth of the research and the practical applications discussed. However, they suggest that the book could be more impactful if it were more streamlined, focusing on the most essential ideas rather than spreading them across many pages of anecdotes. Despite this, they recognize the book's value in understanding and achieving a state of flow.

Quick quotes

    With that said, aesthetically, the book meanders through dozens of pages of anecdotes that could be distilled into a more impactful set of ideas.

    The book's strength lies in its exploration of the concept of flow and its practical applications.

    While the anecdotes are interesting, they sometimes dilute the core message of the book.

Roger Osorio's The Journey to Reinvention · 2025-10-17
insightful 4.50

The book is essential for anyone looking to understand the concept of flow and its application in personal and professional reinvention. The insights are practical and timely, even years after its publication.

This reviewer found the book to be a critical read for those interested in personal growth and entrepreneurship. The concepts of flow are presented in a way that makes them accessible and immediately applicable. They appreciate how the book's insights remain relevant, highlighting the timeless nature of Csikszentmihalyi's work. The practical advice on achieving flow is particularly valuable for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and satisfaction in various aspects of life.

Quick quotes

    The findings and insights of flow in this book are critical reading for anyone embarking on reinvention or entrepreneurship.

    Almost 12 years after reading this book, I still find myself referring back to its principles.

    This book is more than just a theoretical exploration; it's a practical guide to living a more fulfilling life.

Shattered Glass Coaching · 2025-04-27
essential 4.50

The research in 'Flow' suggests that people are happier and more fulfilled during a flow state, making it a crucial read for personal growth.

The reviewer from Shattered Glass Coaching emphasizes that 'Flow' provides compelling research on the benefits of flow states. They highlight that people are happier and more fulfilled when they are in a state of flow, making the book an essential read for anyone looking to improve their well-being. The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on practical applications, offering readers a clear understanding of how to cultivate flow in their daily lives. They find the book to be both inspiring and informative, making it a valuable addition to any personal development library. The reviewer believes that the insights provided in 'Flow' can significantly enhance the quality of life for those who apply its principles.

Quick quotes

    The research in Flow states that people are happier and more fulfilled during a flow state than they are when they are doing just about anything.

    This book is an essential guide to unlocking a happier, more fulfilling state.

    Csikszentmihalyi's work offers a roadmap to achieving optimal experience, making it a must-read for anyone interested in personal growth.

Hyperweb · 2022-03-10
enlightening 4.00

The book clearly presents the thesis of flow and provides practical examples of how to achieve it. The distinction between enjoyment and pleasure is particularly enlightening.

This reviewer praises the book for its clear and concise presentation of the concept of flow. They find the distinction between enjoyment and pleasure particularly insightful and appreciate the practical examples provided. The book is seen as a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and achieve a state of flow. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to make complex psychological concepts accessible and applicable to everyday life. They recommend it to anyone interested in personal development and achieving a more fulfilling state of mind.

Quick quotes

    It presents a very clear thesis of flow, builds upon it with the distinction between enjoyment and pleasure, then delivers examples of how flow can be achieved.

    The book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and achieve a state of flow.

    The distinction between enjoyment and pleasure is particularly enlightening and helps to clarify the concept of flow.

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