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Whiplash, and Searching for Flow State

Yeop Kim

05 Apr 2025 • 2 min read

"WHIPLASH" Amazing movie.
So today was the second time, and was elated to know that TOHO cinemas brought this movie back on. First time I watched was 10 years ago back in Korea, don't remember who I watched it with(my dear wife sometimes reads my posts if you know what I mean) but I sure do remember how immersed I was in the movie back then.

Through abuse like guidance of Flecher, and with struggle and blood, Andrew becomes one of the greats.

The way to his greatness is lonely. Without friends, love and even family.
Shredding off all what would be considered a necessity for a good life.
I was squirming when he told his lovely girlfriend that they should breakup since she will become obstable to his greatness.

If those of you who are up for squirming with discomfort for 2 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsWlktW0kj4&ab_channel=UniversalPicturesInternationalNetherlands

Apparently a Economics Teacher showed this scene to his class to teach them the concept of opportunity cost

Not the ideal state I would want to pursue.

However, there was something deeply beautiful about the hard work, growth and achivement depcited quite well in the movie.
Extreme? Yes.

So, what I think I should be focusing on is trying to place myself in 'Flow State' as much as possible.

a well-known model developed by **Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi**, the psychologist who popularized the concept of *flow*.

No challenge? Boring.
Too much challenge? Anxierty and distress.

What is ideal is to be facing a challenge that is slightly above my skill level, but still reachable if I stretch. To repeat this cycle is ideal. This of course is not a given. Hence I am trying hard to keep myself in this state as much as I can at work.

To my surprise being in a relaxed state( handling challenges below my skill level ) became very boring and quite fast. Before experiencing this I thought I wanted to become a 'kkulpalleo' 꿀빨러.
(Korean term that directly translates to "Honey Sucker" Odd as it sounds it is actually quite commonly used and has a figurative meaning which is "person who enjoys a low-effort, high-reward role")

Too easy? Add new challenges.
Too challenging? Ask for help.

Easier said than done, but a pursuit well worth the effort. Wish you are all in flow state most of the time at work.