NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and interpretation of the brain, hormones, and flow state. Several theories discussed in this talk remain an ongoing field of study. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give TEDx organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/t...

Athletes, musicians, doctors, and many other professionals know what it means to be in the zone. Neurosurgeon Alex Spiotta calls it “the flow state,” and he’s convinced that whole teams of people can achieve it. He makes his point with a story about how he and his surgical team saved the life of a young pregnant woman who had been left for dead. Vice Chair of Neurosurgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, Alejandro Spiotta has performed thousands of complex high-stakes brain surgeries in record time through deep focus and mindfulness. He’s used similar techniques in Ironman triathlons, and is convinced that a wide range of professionals can learn how to find their own performance-enhancing flow state. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx