NOTE FROM TED: This talk only represents the speaker's personal views and understanding of the nervous system, spirituality, and personal development. Several theories around flow state 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/tedx_content_guidelines.pdfWhat if the most powerful state of mind you could experience wasn't random, rare, or reserved for elite performers — but something you could learn to access daily? In this moving and scientifically grounded talk, Deri Llewellyn-Davies takes us from the scorching sands of the Sahara Desert to the icy slopes of Mount Everest to explore the one state that changes everything: flow. Often described as a sense of total immersion, clarity, and peak performance, flow is not just a fleeting experience — it’s a habit you can build. Deri Llewellyn-Davies is a high-performance strategist, entrepreneur, and adventurer dedicated to unlocking human potential. With experience running over 20 businesses and advising more than 300 boards, he combines business acumen with a passion for pushing limits—both professionally and physically. He has climbed six of the world’s seven highest mountains, including a near-fatal Everest attempt, and completed some of the toughest endurance races on the planet.Deri’s research into elite performers led to a signature framework for balancing extraordinary achievement with personal fulfillment. He challenges individuals and organizations to redefine what’s possible. 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