The document discusses the psychological concept of "flow" - a state of complete focus and engagement in an activity where one loses sense of time and self-consciousness. It is described as a feeling of ecstasy, clarity, and intrinsic motivation from being fully immersed in an optimally challenging task that matches one's skills. The document suggests Rails Camp attendees can experience flow by getting involved with teams, seeking help from others, and helping each other improve skills through knowledge sharing.

1. Happy Hacking
@keithpitty

2. What makes for
happy programming?

3. What makes for
happy creative experiences?

4. A psychologist’s perspective...

5. “Flow”

6. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Claremont Graduate University

8. How does it feel to be in flow?

9. One
Completely involved in what you are doing -
focused, concentrated

10. Two
A sense of ecstasy - of being outside
everyday reality

11. Three
Great inner clarity - knowing what needs to
be done, and how well you are going.

12. Four
Knowing that the activity is doable - that
your skills are adequate to the task.

13. Five
A sense of serenity - no worries about oneself,
and a feeling of growing beyond the boundaries of
the ego.

14. Six
Timelessness - thoroughly focused on the present,
hours seem to pass by in minutes

15. Seven
Intrinsic motivation - whatever produces flow
becomes its own reward

16. Challenge vs Skill

18. What does this have to
do with Rails Camp?

19. Do you ever
experience anxiety
when faced with a
programming task?

20. Do you, perhaps, feel inadequate
here at Rails Camp?

22. Would you like to
enjoy Rails Camp more?

26. Rails Camp presents
An ideal opportunity
to improve each others’ skills
by sharing knowledge

27. Suggestions
• Get involved in a team
• Seek help from those who know
• Allow others to help you experience “flow”

28. Share and Enjoy!

29. References
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Flow_(psychology)
• http://www.ted.com/talks/
mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow.html

30. @keithpitty
@cockatoo_sw