We’ve been hearing a lot of talk about “being in the flow” in the last couple of years. Some call it “being in the zone” or “living in flow” — those moments when you are so consumed by the things you’re doing that nothing else seems to exist.

We’ve all had those moments when we come up with an idea for our business and decide to dive right into it, and the next thing we know, our entire day flew by. Instead of being tired from working on that project all day, you feel energized, excited and happy. You didn’t feel the need to take a break, and you don’t feel like going to bed at night. In the morning, you jump out of bed excited to return to the project in question.

Some people believe that being in the flow is a rare occasion and only happens to artists, creatives or by luck. But what if I told you these moments don’t need to be unexpected and that you can actually create them?

Here are the key elements to creating a state of flow:

Make Time

You need to carve out time in your busy schedule. Time is not something we have; it’s something we create. At first, you should take several hours to get in the flow. (I already hear some of you screaming, “Several hours! I barely have five minutes to myself right now.” But don’t look at it that way. See it as an investment in yourself, your business and your ideal future.)

You’ll find that you need less time to get in the flow if you go somewhere calm — like relaxing at a cottage or sitting on the beach. It can even be your own home as long as you create the space to do it. The only way you can unlock your flow is by creating a peaceful and quiet environment.