Flowing with Optimal Performances: Athletic Peak Performance Reimagined Through First Responder Critical Incident Size-up and Situational Awareness

The purpose of this study is to evaluate first responder critical incident decision-making and determine if flow states explain the successful state of mind of decision-makers. This research would reimagine how athletes can perform optimally using a similar framework give their need for peak performance. Flow state, also known as being “in the zone,” refers to a state of optimal performance and engagement. “It is characterized by a complete immersion and focus on the task at hand, a sense of control, and a loss of self-consciousness (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993).” This comes from the field of positive psychology. “People who report a high frequency of flow experiences are more satisfied with life in general” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993).” Flow states have been studied in various sectors, but the research focuses on the underlying factors of being in “flow’ specifically in first responder environments and leveraging the findings to enhance flow states in athletes. Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Theory serves as the foundational framework for understanding flow states. “According to this theory, flow is achieved when the perceived challenge level of the task matches the individual’s skill level, leading to a state of deep concentration and enjoyment” (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993).

Csikszentmihalyi suggests that “the flow states are more likely to appear when the level of challenge presented by their activities aligns with their acquired skills and expertise.” The tasks of both firefighters and athletes involve high-pressure situations, require intense physical demands. Also, and there is a need for rapid decision making given the pace of their activity. These conditions require a laser-focus that can lead to flow states and optimal performance. The repetitive conditions faced develop a muscle memory influencing flow states. Therefore, training and experience contribute towards achieving flow states. During such episodes everything feels like it is coming together as it should (Csikszentmihalyi, 1993; Seligman, 2002).

This study examines the intersection of the theories of “flow, creative suspension, and gentle action’ by focusing on the flow experiences of firefighters and antecedents to flow (Glick-Smith, 2011). Understanding and optimizing these elements can contribute to flowing, leading to enhanced performance. Using a first responder framework of “size-up”, which is a process of gathering large amounts of information, quickly, to determine the appropriate tactics and strategy based on risk mitigation, will “reimagine” how to flow in athletic performances. Situational awareness is also developed through first responder training and experience and involves   perceiving, then processing and predicting an outcome that leads to actionable tasks. This research adds to the body of knowledge on how a person can enhance their decision-making ability to make appropriate decisions within an optimal flow state. We also draw on the literature of decision-making such as Klein who focuses on intuitive decision-making (Klein, 1999, 2003, 2009).

The research sets out to ascertain conditions for flow in high-pressure first responder critical incidents and decision-making through size-up and situational awareness to reimagine how competitive athletes can optimize performance. Jackson studied the relationship of “flow to peak performance and peak experience.” “There was support from both quantitative and qualitative analyses for the idea that these experiences more often occur together than independently for elite athletes (Jackson, 1992).”

References

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1993). The evolving self: A psychology for the third millennium. New York, NY: Harper Perennial.

Glick-Smith, J. L. (2012). The path of the razor’s edge: An examination of the flow experiences of firefighters. ProQuest: UMI 3481816.

JACKSON, SUSAN A., Ph. D., Elite Athletes in Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Sport Experience. (1992).

Klein, G. (1999). Sources of power: How people make decisions. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Klein, G. (2009). Streetlights and shadows: Searching for the keys to adaptive decision making. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press. 118

Klein, G. (2003). The power of intuition: How to use your gut feelings to make better decisions at work. New York, NY: Currency Books.

Seligman, M. E. (2002). Authentic happiness: Using the new positive psychology to realize your potential for lasting fulfillment. New York, NY: Free Press.