Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Professional Life
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was born on September 29, 1934, in what is now Croatia. He attended secondary school in Rome, Italy, after fleeing the Nazis in the 1940’s. He moved to America when he was 22, and earned his Bachelor’s and his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. During his time at the University of Chicago, Csikszentmihalyi began exploring creativity and the evolution of self. His examinations led to the development of his theory on flow. After graduating, Csikszentmihalyi accepted a teaching position with the University and remained there until 1999. At that time, he left Illinois and began working with Claremont Graduate University (CGU). He founded the Quality of Life Research Center at the school and continues to work with CGU.

Contribution to Psychology
According to Csikszentmihalyi, people are at their optimal level of happiness when they are in an engaged state of “flow.” This mental state is one of complete immersion, mentally, physically, and emotionally. With the introduction of his 1992 book Flow, the Psychology of Happiness, Csikszentmihalyi began sharing his theories of optimal happiness with the world. He explained how his flow-theory referred to a heightened level of concentration that one entered when doing something they that thoroughly consumed them in an enjoyable and satisfying way. When in this state of flow, time seems to fly by, or virtually stand still. One can be engaging in an activity with little awareness of their surroundings or anything else occurring around them. Csikszentmihalyi called this state a state of intrinsic motivation, involving only skill and joy, and leaving no room for ego, ambiguity, or fear.

In order to arrive at a state of flow, the act must provide a balanced level of challenge and satisfaction to the performer. It does not have to be easy, but must require the skill level of the performer in such a way that it challenges them, but does not discourage them. Having a high level of skill and challenge is the key to achieving the optimal balance that is required for flow. People can achieve flow doing things as simple as sewing, cooking, singing, running, or building something. The focused attention that creates flow can also be reached with therapeutic techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, meditation, or Focalizing.

Csikszentmihalyi’s written works on the subject have been published throughout the world in many different languages. He continues to apply his theories to new domains, including business, education, and politics.

Books by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

• Flow
• Beyond Boredom and Anxiety
  
• Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery and Invention
  
• Finding Flow – the Psychology of Engagement with Everyday Life