I've been thinking a lot recently about the difference between force and flow.
You know the feeling of force. You're working hard, pushing, and nothing quite moves.
I've felt it most since coming out of a business. Starting something new can feel like knocking on a door that's locked.
Flow is the opposite. Everything aligns, connects and builds towards what you're trying to achieve.
When I tried to work out what flow actually is for me, it came back to three simple things. I know exactly where I am. I'm clear on where I want to get to.
And I'm doing the same useful things, over and over, that move me from one to the other.
Diagnose, direction, discipline.
When that cycle is running, it reinforces itself, and momentum builds on top of it.
So when things feel forced now, I've stopped knocking harder. I take a step back and ask:
Where am I, really?
Where do I need to get to?
And is there a door that's already open?
It sounds obvious. It's surprisingly hard to do when you're in the middle of pushing.
If something feels forced for you at the moment, try asking the same three questions.