Your struggle is not only useful, it’s necessary for growth and creativity.

Are you struggling in a relationship or with a project at work? Don’t wish it away! There’s good news.In Cara's latest short snippet of no-hype advice, she talks about struggle, your struggle, her struggle and how our struggle can lead us into flow—where we feel bigger, brighter, and better all around.This theory is based on the work of the Godfather of Flow, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi and further documented by my friends at the Flow Genome Project.The Flow Cycle includes four stages:1. Struggle2. Release3. Flow4. RecoverPlug in those ear buds and listen up to learn how to navigate the highs and lows of your very own Flow Cycle. Words of wisdom from the Godfather of Flow Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi:“The best moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times . . . The best moments usually occur if a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.” Want more? Here's a video of the Flow Cycle with Steven Kotler of the Flow Research Collective. As Steven says, "We now know that flow works not like an on-off switch but in a four-part cycle. Understanding these cycles can help you to more often access flow."So the next time you feel stretched to you limits remember the Flow Cycle and smile! You may be super close to the inspiration you've been waiting for.

 Mentions and More

Episode #99: Find Your Flow in 15 MinutesEpisode #80: Flow State - Learn to Return

Herbert Bensen: The Relaxation ResponseFlow Genome ProjectFlow Cycle with Steven KotlerOn The Verge: Wake up, Show up, and Shine by Cara Bradley

Love this podcast? Leave a review on iTunes and help more folk wake up, show up and live in flow.