Episode 23: How flow brings out your full potential
In today’s episode I’m talking about a short article I found on the BBC entitled
How flow brings our your full potential. I will read the article to you while also explaining some vocabulary and expressions. You can find it here:
You can find Vocabulary and Transcript below as well as all links mentioned in this podcast at the bottom of this post and some discussion questions if you're an ESL teacher or if you just want some prompts to practice your writing.
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Vocabulary
bring out - to make something appear. In this context, flow 'brings out' and shows the skills you already have
mitigate (v) - reduce the effect of something
surmountable (a) - something that is achievable
sink into the moment - to be in a state of flow with no distractions
convoluted (a) - extremely complex and difficult to follow
conducive (a) - making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.
daunting (a) - difficult, intimidating or challenging
Somewhat (adv) - to a moderate extent or by a moderate amount
to stretch you - make you work harder and to make maximum use of your talents or abilities
Idioms and expressions that suggest you’re in a state of flow:
Getting into the zone
Knuckle down
Put your head down
Get stuck into something
Throw yourself into something
Put your heart and soul into something
Stick your nose into something
Go the extra mile - to do more than you expected
Transcript
Discussion questions
1. According to Herbert Benson, What are the four stages of flow?
2. Is your leisure time more precious than money?
3. Do you find it easy to eliminate distractions? Do you ever engage in fake flow? Explain why fake flow is bad.
4. What type of environment is conducive to finding your flow?
5. Write a sentence with 5 of the idioms or expressions that suggest being in a state of flow.
Reference
https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191216-how-flow-brings-out-your-full-potential