Coaching World Issue 9: February 2014 | Page 21

WATCH NOW! Meg Moore’s “How Can I Thrive?” Also check out “Strive to Thrive.” states that Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi (pronounced cheek-sent-me-hi) describes as key to optimal wellbeing—those moments when we are enjoying an activity so much that we lose track of time. Without undue effort, we execute the activity to the best of our abilities. While the workplace is the best place for experiencing regular flow states, most people do not let themselves enjoy flow states every day because their minds are polluted by overwhelming to-do lists and distractions. goals. This capacity is highly polished in the workplace (although often at the expense of other capacities described here). Those among us with attention deficits need to work harder to build self-regulation skills, and to learn to set aside disruptive emotions, impulses and distractions so that we get the important stuff done. Executive function gets a powerful boost when we tame our frenzy, exercise regularly, sleep well and eat a Mediterannean diet. 9. Executive Function As the most social animals on the planet, humans share a primary need for approval, appreciation, vali ][ۈ[