I notice the ebb and flow of productivity as well. Ken uses the term fallow period. I like the reproduction analogy. New ideas, skills, or domain knowledge are

I notice the ebb and flow of productivity as well. Ken uses the term fallow period. I like the reproduction analogy. New ideas, skills, or domain knowledge are like the sperm that finds its place in the egg which I think of as the existing stable but receptive body of knowledge and skills. There is often excitement at the beginning "I have this new skill!" However, the new skill or knowledge hasn't really integrated with the existing body of knowledge yet. Then often it seems that there needs to be a gestation period. You have the sense that connections are forming and something new is forming that is the combination of the new and the old. And, then it feels like I am ready to pour it out. Whether it is writing an article, preparing a speech or coding up that feature or application. When that happens it feels like the "Flow." But I understand that the gestation period was just as important if much less visible and seemingly unproductive.