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

In developing an approach to this topic and evaluating from a theoretical or conceptual framework, I am leaning towards a conceptual framework which includes one or more formal theories (in part or whole). A state of “flow” is the anchor of the topic but since one theory may not full explain optimal decision-making, I am drawing on “intuition” research, as well, to explain optimal performance. I don’t believe the theories could be drawn out although a decision-making model may be an outcome that could be depicted visually. The explanation of optimal performance in high-pressure situations by being in “flow” and understanding how to spark the elements that assist one to get in flow could be also explained by “intuition” decision-making and therefore being a subdomain.

These theories are applicable today and are very current in their findings and research. Flow states and “intuition” theories will help answer the question as to why some perform optimally in public safety high-pressure critical incidents and if and how its elements can assist competitive athletes to replicate such states and outcomes.