Flow is the most addictive, non-chemically induced state that you can create
naturally. Of course, it is chemically induced but you create the chemicals yourself in your brain. Flow is that state that athletes talk about when they’re in the zone that you get when you're playing a game. Flow is when you get in that state when you have a challenge that exactly it matches your ability that it absorbs your entire being but doesn't demand more. If the challenge is too easy then used drop into a state called boredom and if the challenge is too hard, you move into its state called stress. Your goal is to do something that takes your entire being.
Booke Allen N2BA
Here is a quote from Eddie Leighton the originator of the Rapid Deployment Amateur Radio concept.
RaDAR is a challenge when compared to any other contest. Moving stations are required to move the specified distance after every 5 contacts (The first 5 contacts could be made from the starting point). This will test rapid deployment and re-deployment. Each operator will use his own initiative to achieve his / her goals.
Eddie Leighton ZS6BNE
I discovered the flow state during my first RaDAR Contest (now called RaDAR Challenge) in April of 2013. In my blog post, I stated, "I had the most fun I ever had in Ham Radio." When you put a time constraint on RaDAR it will challenge you, particularly on foot. Within the four hours, you must walk briskly to conserve as much time for operating the radio. You may be on the sandy beach or you may be on a road. You are impacted by the weight of gear is you are carrying. It has to be everything you need at the next location. When you set up you must select an antenna if you have more than one. If you are using trees for the antenna you better spot that limb you need quickly. You will choose a band and mode you believe will net five contacts. You will assess what you hear on the band. If you have no luck you better choose the next band quickly. You leverage on what activity there is on the air. You look for other RaDAR operators for RaDAR to RaDAR contacts. You may decide to make a digital contact or a satellite contact for bonus points. Your outcome will depend on your preparation and practice between challenges from a gear and operating perspective. In any case, you may achieve the Flow State when the challenge exactly matches your abilities and you are completely consumed. I consider I am really there when I can make four deployments within the four hours.
It works for me! I look forward to every RaDAR Challenge. They are the first Saturday in April and November and the third Saturday of July. If you are interested please visit the home of RaDAR at http://radarops.co.za/ and the RaDAR Google Plus community. Also, listen to Eddie ZS6BNE's QSO Today Episode here and to Brooke Allen N2BA's QSO Today Episode here. My thanks to Eric Guth 4Z1UG for making these and the other 178 and counting QSO Today Podcasts.