Solitude Doesn't Necessarily Grant You Writing Skill
In the realm of creative pursuits, two key elements have been identified as essential catalysts for success: intrinsic motivation and the flow state. A recent case study, first published on creativity researcher Keith Sawyer's Substack, "The Science of Creativity," sheds light on these factors, using the journey of novelist Feenstra as an example.
Feenstra, who spent several manic years writing, rewriting, researching, and revising her novel, experienced firsthand the powerful interplay between intrinsic motivation and the flow state. Her novel, which ended up being nothing like the one she started, underwent numerous revisions and edits before it reached its full potential.
Intrinsic motivation, defined as the drive to engage in activities for their inherent interest and satisfaction, not because of external pressures or rewards, was a significant factor in Feenstra's creative process. She discovered that the process of reworking her novel provided a drug-like joy and intrinsic motivation.
The flow state, a mental state characterized by deep focus, concentration, and a sense of effortlessness, often occurs when individuals engage in activities that offer a balance between challenge and skill level, aligning with their intrinsic motivations. Writing without a purpose, such as poetry or short stories, can lead to the flow state.
Feenstra's journey underscores the importance of intrinsic motivation in initiating a flow state. Her passion for her work kept her focused and undistracted, even amidst the numerous distractions that the average worker faces today, according to a Microsoft study, with an average worker receiving 117 emails a day and 153 chats a day.
However, it's important to note that flow isn't enough for success, as creativity research suggests. Successful creativity is effortful, requiring hard work beyond just being in the flow state. Feenstra realized this during her writing process, acknowledging that writing involves hard work beyond just being in the flow state.
Keith Sawyer, a leading creativity researcher and the Morgan Distinguished Professor in Educational Innovations at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, emphasizes this point. He published 20 books, including "Group Genius," "Zig Zag," and "Learning to See."
In conclusion, intrinsic motivation and the flow state are closely linked in the context of creative work. They drive individuals to pursue activities they enjoy, leading to a flow state and enhancing creativity. This alignment of activity with intrinsic motivation enhances the likelihood of entering a flow state and sustaining it, which in turn supports long-term creative growth and innovation.
In the context of creative work, intrinsic motivation, representing the internal drive to engage in activities for their inherent interest and satisfaction, played a significant role in Feenstra's pursuit of personal growth and education-and-self-development. Her journey illustrates how aligning her activities with intrinsic motivations led to the flow state, a mental state characterized by deep focus, concentration, and a sense of effortlessness, which enhanced her long-term creative growth and innovation.
