Finding Flow

"Flow" - Metaphor for "being in the zone", "ecstasy" .
When you have flow, you are fully engaged in your task and you don't notice time passing by.

Flow occurs when the following are present:
1. A clear set of goals
2.There is immediate feedback
3.Skills are fully utilized

When these are present, one will be completely focused on what he is presently doing or involved in. Most of the time, the 3 elements can be found in work. So if I'm choosing a new job or work, then these 3 must be present.

Of course, another big factor in enjoying your work is having a good working relationship with your boss, but that's another subject matter.

It is the full involvement of flow, rather than happiness, that makes for excellence in life. When we are in flow, we are not happy, because to experience happiness we must focus on our inner states..

From: Finding Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi