In today's article, we will explore the autotelic personality and the aspects of the self that are essential for peak performance in work, sport and, indeed, life. We will also explore the nine optimal conditions for Flow according to psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, psychologist, researcher, and author of many books on creativity and innovation. High performance in all domains of work and play requires it, and the degree to which we cultivate these aspects of personality will almost certainly influence our performance results. Want to become a better actor, writer, craftsperson, athlete or businessperson? Take into account these aspects of the autotelic personality and work daily, tirelessly and relentlessly, to build them in yourself.
The Barrier To Autotelic Experience
At some point in our lives, many of us have had the experience of being in the zone, on fire, like we were on another level. It comes when we don't expect it. Goosebumps rise all over our skin, our senses are heightened, and the environment seems to appear almost other-worldly. We are at one with it all. Nothing seems to separate us from everything else, and all self-consciousness seems to melt away. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, after thirty years of creativity research, has come to call this phenomenon Flow1. Before him, Abraham Maslow termed it Peak Experience2.
If we could only bottle that sensation, capture it and release it at will, then every situation in which we find ourselves, every challenge we encounter, we may triumph. But it seems impossible. Emotions take over; nerves and concern for how we might be perceived kick in. We remember prior failures and dread that they will come again to ruin our preparation and, indeed, our sense of self. Negative thoughts overtake us, and we spiral downwards into poor performance. Why is it that on any given day, we may perform exceptionally or not? What gets in our way? Why, given all our hard work, practice and preparation, do the sales presentation, stage or field performance flop? Perhaps Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's account of the Autotelic Personality may offer us an explanation.
How Autotelic Is Your Personality?
Autotelic Personality refers to the collection of attributes that facilitate the Flow State experience. A highly autotelic person can, therefore, experience flow often in everyday activities. Use this questionnaire to test your level of autotelic personality.
The Autotelic Personality & Conditions For Flow
The self we experience is an ever-moving target. The company we keep and their expectations of us, how we perceive ourselves, and the environment combine to produce the environment-self dynamic interplay. The environment evokes a response from the organism, and the organism, in turn, acts on the environment. This dynamic contributes to our fundamental understanding of the psychology of human behaviour. Therefore, if we are to ask the question, how can we produce consistently high-level results? The answer is it depends.
An infinite number of factors influence performance results. However, although conditions for Flow are different for everyone, Csikszentmihalyi says there are certain patterns to its occurrence. Optimal conditions are more likely to exist where the individual has developed creative or autotelic personality traits. But before we examine these personality traits, let's first take a look at the conditions.
Optimal Conditions For Flow
Csikszentmihalyi suggests that consistent high performers, the ones who stand out against the backdrop of everyday life, are motivated by the enjoyment that comes from confronting challenges. Without these people, he says, there is no evolution of culture or progress in thought, feeling or human experience. Therefore, he asks, what does this apparent enjoyment in the optimal experience of Flow involve?
In his research, Csikszentmihalyi and his team identified the following nine psychological aspects of optimal experience found most frequently in subjects in a Flow state. Participants in his research included artists, sportspeople, academics, and ordinary working people who reported in almost identical terms, their experience of Flow in the course of their work.
1. Clear Goals Exist
In the flow state,Csikszentmihalyi says, we always know what must be done. We direct our tasks via our goals and we bound them by the rules of the game. In most cases, there is clarity of purpose directed towards clear goal outcomes.
2. Constant Feedback
Csikszentmihalyi says that feedback is immediate in high-intensity sports such as field sports. But with other performance domains, it is not always so sharp and initial. It varies depending on the task but is present regardless.
3. Balance Between Challenge & Skill
This component refers to matching our skill level to the challenge at hand. If, for example, we are engaged in a task we are not sufficiently skilled to complete, we can frustrate ourselves by our inability to complete it.
4. Action & Awareness Merge
In the flow state, Csikszentmihalyi says that the performer requires one-pointedness of mind. There is no room for concern about other things we think we should be doing. The blinkers are on so to speak.
5. Loss of Self-consciousness
In normal everyday life, most of us are concerned about how the social unit perceives us. It is dominant and pervasive in all of our behaviour. However, in a flow state, there is no room for self-consciousness.
6. No Concern For Failure
When we are entirely engaged in the autotelic state, we have no concern for failure. We have complete confidence in ourselves but not in a surface-level masking sense. A deeper sense of confidence is obtained from being at one with the process. The idea of failure doesn’t even come to mind, which contrasts with arrogance–a disguised fear of failure.
7. Lack of Distraction
Enjoyment in a flow experience comes about as a result of intense concentration on the present. For example, there is no room for idle thoughts about the weather, socialising, or relationships. Outside influences and demands on our time can't get through. All psychic energy is pointed to the task at hand with unimportant peripheral elements filtered out.
8. Feeling of Timelessness
Csikszentmihalyi’s participants reported that time seems to become distorted when they are engaged in the flow state activities. It doesn’t pass as it usually does in the surface-level world of ordinary life. Instead, it slows down, speeds up, or stops completely. The measure by which we ordinarily structure our lives is dropped as we become immersed in the task.
9. Activity Becomes Autotelic
Lastly, and perhaps most significantly, an essential aspect of peak experience is engagement in the task for its own sake. The experience becomes an end in itself, and all thought of success or failure disappears. There are no ulterior motives for the autotelic personality–no concern for money, status, applause, or recognition by others–the joy of the task overtakes us. Motivation is intrinsic rather than extrinsic.
How Autotelic Is Your Personality?
Autotelic Personality refers to the collection of attributes that facilitate the Flow State experience. A highly autotelic person can, therefore, experience flow often in everyday activities. Use this questionnaire to test your level of autotelic personality.
“An autotelic experience is very different from the feelings we typically have in the course of life. So much of what we ordinarily do has no value in itself, and we do it only because we have to do it, or because we expect some future benefit from it”
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Aspects of The Autotelic Personality
We derive “auto-telic” from the Greek word autos, meaning self, and telic, indicating purpose, from the Greek telikos, “final,” from telos, “end goal” or “result”. We use the term to explain the nature of consciousness in individuals who engage in complex work for its inherent enjoyment, even when the activity is potentially threatening.
Csikszentmihalyi stresses that individuals possessing an autotelic personality undertake their work not to provide short-term stimulation and gratification. They do so in pursuit of long-term, often lifetime, expression of intrinsic goals. In other words, they engage in their work for the primary purpose of personal enjoyment and challenge. Subsequently, Csikszentmihalyi says, this engagement results in the growth of the self.
Researchers have found that our development and maintenance of autotelic personality traits consists of the following four essential states.
1. Goals Are Intrinsic
The ultimate aim of the self is happiness and fulfilment in the moment of Now. When we engage ourselves in pursuits we enjoy, and we do so for the inherent challenge, there comes about the natural pursuit of goals. Rather than thinking of goals as linear processes, we should regard them as naturally evolving interests and curiosity, bringing about inevitable expertise.
It is perhaps accurate, then, to say the development of the creative personality is a multidimensional and often unconscious process within which we execute daily and hourly tasks. The autotelic person sets goals hourly, daily, weekly, etc., from an intrinsic rather than extrinsic perspective.
In doing so, autotelic people continually assess results, adjust their actions, and remain consistently aligned with their values. Therefore, the performer can modify goal-directed effort based on feedback from their observed results. Goals are, therefore, intrinsic and self-directed.
2. Work Is Immersive
We can develop the aspects of autotelic personality, in part, by becoming totally immersed in our daily work or sport. The domain of work within which we engage is less important than the degree to which we engage with it.
For example, I have found there is enormous satisfaction and personal fulfilment in washing dishes or peeling spuds as I have from daily work that pays the bills. It is our willingness to follow our curiosity and immerse ourselves in the task for long periods that brings about expertise.
That is not to say we must grit our teeth and grind it out, forcing things to our will. Instead, it has more to do with dancing or playing with the work than toil and laborious effort. To languish in mediocrity will eventually lead to boredom, discontent, and what Csikszentmihalyi calls psychic entropy.
3. Attention Is Unwavering
Consider a photorealistic artist working on a large format pencil drawing; for this artist, her heightened and unwavering attention to her work over long periods is critical to her successful output. Csikszentmihalyi says that the autotelic person is capable of holding this unwavering attention to the task at hand without distraction.
There is no room for self-analysis or self-consciousness. Focusing our attention on what others may think or feel about our work is a self-conscious action and can destroy our chances of making something great. Therefore, we must practice controlling our attention. With deliberate practice3, this is entirely possible to achieve.
4. Work Is Inherently Enjoyable
Enjoyment of our daily work is a critical contributor towards happiness. As such, it's hardly worth doing it if we don't enjoy it. But millions of us do work we hate. If we don’t enjoy our work, we won’t stay the pace. We won’t be able to endure challenges and realise the success we crave. Extrinsic motivation, like cash-in-hand, might keep us engaged for a while, but it won’t last.
Besides, what's the point if we don’t enjoy our daily work? Is it not a life wasted? Work must also incorporate an aspect of play to satisfy the creative personality. As Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of The National Institute for Play, states in his book Play; How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul 4;
Play seems to be so important for our development and survival that the impulse to play has become a biological drive.
How To Measure Autotelic Personality
How can you know if you possess traits of autotelic personality? Although research on Flow states has been primarily concerned with Fow as a motivational state, Csikszentmihalyi also suggested Flow as consistent with a type of personality. That is, a disposition that actively seeks challenges and flow experiences.5 Baumann suggests that Flow and the concept of autotelic personality should encompass both need (achievement motive) and ability (self-regulation) to experience flow.
In recent work by Tse et al., (2020), 6 researchers developed the Autotelic Personality Questionnaire (APQ). Participant scores were significantly correlated with measures of Conscientiousness, Openness to experience, Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Internal Locus of Control. APQ scores also predicted flow proneness and satisfaction with life. The study found that people high in autotelic personality experienced more flow state than those low in autotelic personality.
The Autotelic Performer Transmutates Conditions
Csikszentmihalyi says that the autotelic self possesses the ability to transmute challenging, dull, or even life-threatening situations into activities that bring about transformative states of being. There are no wasted experiences; they can utilise all life circumstances to their benefit.
This does not mean we should accept undesirable conditions and yield to defeat and hopelessness. On the contrary, to the autotelic personality, the challenging experiences uncover unique and creative means to overcome the conditions. Autotelic individuals possess a high degree of resilience, accept the nature of current circumstances, and resolve to discover new solutions to problems.
They don’t scramble for notice or recognition, and they do not regard competition as the primary reason for engagement. Neither do they waste energy in ego defence because their ego recedes into the background.
“The truth is that play seems to be one of the most advanced methods nature has invented to allow a complex brain to create itself.”
Stuart Brown MD
How To Develop Autotelic Personality Traits
Developing autotelic personality traits, (your propensity to enter a state of optimal experience easily) is possible, but it takes work. It involves creating conditions that promote deep engagement, focus, and a sense of enjoyment in an activity for its own sake. Here are several strategies that can help you cultivate flow
Choose Challenging Activities
Select activities that are challenging but not overwhelmingly difficult. The level of challenge should be balanced with your skill level so that you feel capable of meeting the challenge.
Set Clear & Achievable Goals
Define clear and specific goals for the activity. A clear sense of purpose and direction helps you stay focused and motivated.
Provide Immediate Feedback
Activities that offer immediate and clear feedback about your performance can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments in real time.
Concentration and Focus
Minimise distractions and create a conducive environment for concentration. Eliminate interruptions and create a quiet, comfortable space.
Time Management
Allocate an uninterrupted block of time for the activity. It often takes time to reach the flow state, so avoid rushing through the activity.
Break Tasks into Manageable Steps
Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This prevents feeling overwhelmed and helps you maintain a sense of progress.
Mindfulness and Presence
Practice mindfulness by staying fully present in the activity. Avoid thinking about unrelated matters and immerse yourself in the task at hand.
Eliminate Fear of Failure
Embrace the possibility of failure as a part of the learning process. Let go of the fear of making mistakes, as it can hinder your ability to engage fully.
Balance Skill and Challenge
Continuously adjust the level of challenge to match your increasing skills. This ensures that you stay engaged without becoming bored or frustrated.
Engage in Intrinsically Rewarding Activities
Choose activities that you find inherently interesting and enjoyable. Activities driven by curiosity and passion are more likely to lead to flow.
Create a Flow Routine
Develop a routine that signals your brain that you're entering a focused and immersive state. This could involve a specific pre-activity ritual or routine.
Limit or Omit Multitasking
Focus on one task at a time. Multitasking can fragment your attention and prevent you from fully engaging in any activity.
Use Visualisation
Before starting an activity, visualise yourself fully engaged and successful. This mental rehearsal can enhance your confidence and focus.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, cultivating flow takes practice. Regularly engage in activities that align with your interests and challenge your abilities.
Reflect and Learn
After the activity, take time to reflect on your experience. What worked well? What could be improved? Adjust your approach for future attempts.
Remember that achieving flow is a personal experience, and the strategies that work best for you may vary. Experiment with different approaches and techniques to find what helps you enter the state of flow most effectively. It's important to approach this with patience and an open mindset, as it may take time to immerse yourself in the flow state consistently and fully.
Final Words on The Autotelic Personality
Some of us will be unable to experience the simplicity and joy of doing things for the sake of it. For we are either too self-conscious and afraid or too self-absorbed and narcissistic. In this state of mind, our daily work is all about evoking a response from others. Too materially absorbed, our focus is only on personal gain, and authentic creative expression is impossible.
Regardless, it may be true that we over-analyse ourselves. Questioning, probing, and keeping ourselves from our work. All that we require is to engage in the work, follow our curiosity and get deep for long periods without ulterior motives.
In all our creative endeavours, there will be work that needs to be done, and it will be difficult, but what is life without challenges? Life is dichotomous; it's supposed to be a balance of challenge and support.
So, in our pursuit of happiness, perhaps it's best to go where we’re drawn, create meaning, and give ourselves a purpose in the work. We only get one go at this, as far as I know.
References
- Csikszentmihalyi, M., Abuhamdeh, S., & Nakamura, J. (2005). Flow. Handbook of competence and motivation, 598-608.
- Maslow, A. H. (2013). Toward a psychology of being. Simon and Schuster
- Anders Ericsson, K. (2008). Deliberate practice and acquisition of expert performance: a general overview. Academic emergency medicine, 15(11), 988-994.
- Brown, S. L. (2009). Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul. Penguin.
- Baumann, N. (2012). Autotelic Personality. In: Engeser, S. (eds) Advances in Flow Research. Springer, New York, NY.
- Tse, D. C., Lau, V. W. Y., Perlman, R., & McLaughlin, M. (2020) Journal of Personality Assessment, 102(1), 88-101.APQ
Dear Mr. Maguire,
Your article on autotelic characteristics is very interesting and compelling. I teach classical guitar here in Albuquerque, NM and apply many characteristics to my classroom technique in order to raise the possibility of ‘flow‘ to enhance a more organic approach to learning this instrument. I have 2 questions please, have you considered (1) the connection of autotelic characteristics to Myers-Briggs personality types? and (2) the idea of autotelic characteristics to a Japanese concept called, “Mushin” or no-mind? Thankyou for your time. DLubin
Hi Don, thanks for reading. I see personality as dynamic rather than fixed and so it seems reasonable to me that flow states might be more inclinced to arise for some states of being than others. As far as Myers Briggs goes, I understand it’s a popular measure especially in commercial domains, but by and large, it lacks empirical relevance, and to me, credability. So take it with a pinch of salt. I have come across Mushin before in reading and listening to Zen texts. I think it captures the concept of flow perfectly. We’ve got to learn the technical aspects of the work, but once we do, there is the opportunity to become lost in the action.
Thank you for this crisp review. This was most illuminating. Much literature on creative thinking and performance ignores the fancy word “autotelic” but in so many ways captures the point. Subjects like the flow, the space, or the zone can be intimidating— persons hear you but they afraid to listen. This why I think those readers should take a look at Kenny Werner’s book “Effortless Matery.” it will jolt them and beg them to read your version of the flow more carefully.
Your article delves into the autotelic personality and its significance in achieving peak performance. Can you elaborate on how individuals can actively cultivate and develop an autotelic personality? Are there specific practices or exercises that you recommend for someone looking to enhance these traits within themselves?
Teknik Informatika
Meditation, contemplation, self-reflection, humility, focusing on process rather than outcome – being present, listening rather than talking. These are ways to develop the Autotelic Personality. Check out this lecture form Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi; https://www.exploratorium.edu/video/dr-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-lectures-creative-person-and