Volume 25, Issue 21 | February 3, 2026

The concept of Flow was coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, who defined it as "a state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter" (Flow, 1990). He found that the person in this state is utterly focused and in-control, lacking awareness of the world outside of a given pursuit. Not surprisingly, this is often tied to peak performance: in order to reach the highest level, an individual must be both intensely focused and enjoying the activity. In addition to the artists and other creatives Csikszentmihalyi originally studied, he found this to be true in sports. As coaches, this concept can be the key to helping athletes reach their potential.

The chart above provides a visual of the flow state, which is marked by the optimal intersection of a person's ability and the challenge faced. The athlete who has tremendous ability but no challenge finds him/herself bored, while the athlete who faces a great challenge without the requisite ability will encounter anxiety. The goal is to help each individual find the space where ability and challenge meet.

As sports psychologist Andrea Perales explains, understanding the unique abilities and needs of each individual athlete is key to helping them achieve the flow state and reach peak performance. This starts with relationships. In order to help an athlete find the balance where flow exists in practice or competition, we need to understand his or her unique strengths, weaknesses, needs and fit within a team. Perales points out that coaches need to identify the best way to challenge each athlete to get the best out of them, recognizing that not all athletes are the same.

Csikszentmihalyi's findings included two other important points for coaches. First, he highlighted the importance of process in achieving a flow state, rather than a focus on the end result. Flow is about being in the moment, regardless of outcome - even if the outcome that follows is often terrific. Second, he noted the importance of joy in the experience of flow. Put simply, if athletes don't love what they're doing, they cannot reach a flow state.

Watch the video above and consider this week how you can help the athletes you coach to reach a flow state. Doing so will help your athletes to maximize their performance and your team to achieve a new level of play.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." ~ Joshua 1:9

February is Black History Month

February is Black History Month. In the world of sports, we can celebrate the accomplishments and barriers broken by pioneering black athletes. Here is a Play Like a Champion resource to share with your team celebrating some incredible athletes. Coaches, invite each of your athletes to adopt one of these pioneering athletes and do some research on them. Then, as you conclude (or begin) your practices, you can invite one athlete to share information on the person they researched with the whole team. By the end of the month, your team can be educated on a number of athletes that made strides in the world of sport toward social and racial justice. 

A Prayer for Coaches

Lord, I thank you for the gift of this team.

For each child and their unique personalities,

For the gifts and talents that each of them bring to this team, and for the opportunity to spend time with them during practices and games.

I ask you to bless me in my role as a coach.

I pray that I may have the grace and wisdom I need to provide for each child what they need to grow. That through my teaching each of these children may reach their potential and maximize the gifts that you have given them.

May I be slow to anger in my coaching, and quick to be positive and encouraging. May I coach in a way that each child knows how much I care, that they may truly enjoy the experience of this team, finding great joy in practices and games.

Be with me Lord as I coach this team. Amen.