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Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

The terms 'challenge' and 'skills' encompass various factors, including anxiety tolerance, ability to delay gratification, cultural background, energy levels, and confidence.

Video

The science of effortlessness: How to activate flow | Steven Kotler: Full Interview

@ Big Think

The science of effortlessness: How to activate flow | Steven Kotler: Full Interview

06/20/25

Related Takeaways

Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

Challenge-skills balance is the golden rule of flow; it occurs when the challenge of a task slightly exceeds our skillset, creating a sweet spot between boredom and anxiety.

Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

Fear can block flow by raising anxiety levels, which disrupts the challenge-skills balance necessary for optimal performance.

Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

Type A individuals often take on challenges that are 10% to 30% greater than their skill level, which can be thrilling but may lead to burnout.

Andrew Huberman

07/20/20

@ Rich Roll

The ability to push through discomfort and pain points can be applied to various aspects of life, as the same neurochemicals are involved in different challenges.

Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

The challenge of a task should exceed your skillset by about 4% to 5% to find the sweet spot for flow.

Robert Greene

10/09/22

@ Lewis Howes

You need challenges in life to improve. Choose projects that are slightly above your current skill level to feel excited and engaged.

Jocko Willink

06/03/25

@ Chris Williamson

When you're preparing for a challenge, humility drives you to train and plan thoroughly, but once you're in the moment, you need to switch to a mindset of confidence and determination.

Steven Kotler

06/20/25

@ Big Think

Confidence plays a crucial role in performance, especially among elite athletes, where it can account for up to 81% of what we mean by skills.

Andrew Huberman

10/31/23

@ Chris Williamson

Engaging in difficult tasks, whether micro or macro, can help build tenacity and willpower, which are essential for achieving goals.