Get Started
Home Authors Tags

"Una buena vida es aquella que se caracteriza por una completa absorción en lo que uno hace"

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Psychologist
Translations
🇺🇸 English 🇨🇳 中文 🇪🇸 Español 🇪🇬 العربية 🇫🇷 Français 🇮🇷 فارسی 🇯🇵 日本語
Quote meaning
Living a good life, at its core, is all about finding those moments where you’re completely and utterly engrossed in what you're doing. That’s the heart of it. When you're lost in an activity, time seems to fly by, and you’re not worrying about the past or stressing about the future. This state of immersion—some call it "flow"—is where you find true satisfaction and joy.

This idea has roots in the work of positive psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. He studied what makes people truly happy and found that it's not about wealth or status. Instead, happiness often comes when we’re deeply engaged in activities that challenge our skills just enough to keep us interested, but not so much that we become frustrated. Think about the times you’ve been so focused on a project that you forget to eat or check your phone. That’s flow.

Let’s get real with a practical example. Picture an artist completely absorbed in painting. As the brush moves across the canvas, they’re not thinking about anything else. They’re not worried about their to-do list or the latest news. In that moment, it’s just them and the colors and the canvas. Hours pass, but it feels like minutes because they’re so engaged. That’s the magic of being fully absorbed in what you do.

So, how can you bring this into your own life? Start by identifying activities that naturally draw you in. It could be anything—cooking, gardening, coding, writing, playing a sport. Notice what makes you lose track of time and do more of that. Set aside dedicated blocks of time where you can focus without interruptions. It might mean putting your phone on do-not-disturb or finding a quiet space where you can concentrate.

Now, imagine this: You’re writing a novel, something you’ve always wanted to do. You set aside Sunday mornings for this passion project. At first, it’s tough. Your mind wanders, you get distracted. But after a few weeks, you find your rhythm. You wake up excited on Sundays, ready to dive into your story. Hours pass in a blink. You finish a chapter and feel a deep sense of accomplishment. That’s the power of being fully absorbed in what you do.

The key is to make space for these moments in your daily life. It’s not about filling every minute with productivity, but about finding activities that make you feel alive and present. Don’t worry if it takes time to figure out what those activities are. It’s a journey, and it’s okay to explore different things to see what clicks.

So next time you find yourself bored or restless, think about what activities might pull you into that state of flow. Give yourself permission to dive in without distractions. It’s not just about passing the time—it’s about enriching your life with moments that bring genuine fulfillment. And who knows? You might just discover a new passion or rediscover an old one.

In a world that constantly demands our attention, finding those pockets of deep engagement can be a game-changer. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. So go ahead, lose yourself in something you love. You’ll be living a good life.
Related tags
Concentration Dedication Engagement Flow Fulfillment Happiness Mindfulness Passion Presence Purpose
FEATURED QUOTES
Surprise me with another quote
Instagram Icon Facebook Icon X Icon Threads Icon