“Dress for success?”
Well, it’s not just for job interviews.
What if I told you the way you dress could help you focus better… relax more deeply… and even exercise more, with zero extra effort?
It’s true!
In fact, there’s a scientific term for it: “Enclothed cognition.”
Simply put, the clothes you wear can have a serious impact on your mental state — and can motivate you to feel certain ways or do certain things.
Researchers even tested this theory on students at a university in the Midwestern United States. The class was divided into 2 groups: Half of the students wore lab coats, while the other half wore their regular clothes. Then, they were given an assignment… And the students wearing lab coats were found to be more focused and attentive. When the students thought more like doctors or scientists in their coats… They embodied that laser-focus in their own work.
Of course, we’re not all scientists or doctors in lab coats… But enclothed cognition can work in tons of different areas of your life.
For instance, if your goal is to exercise more… Instead of trying to convince yourself to get up… change clothes… get in the car… and drive to the gym… All you have to do is convince yourself to do one thing:
Put on your workout clothes.
Once your workout clothes are on, you’ll feel more athletic… strong… energized... and confident.
I think you’ll be SHOCKED at how much easier it is to start exercising!
Oh, and it gets more interesting:
The color and the fit of your workout clothes can affect how you perform. Well-fitting, comfortable clothes can boost your confidence and help you push harder in your workouts. (So if you need an excuse to get some new workout clothes… feel free to use this.) Similarly, if you want to focus and get some work done…
Try dressing more “business” than “casual,” and you might find it easier to focus.
And if you want to relax and unwind… Putting on your softest, comfiest clothes can signal your mind that it’s time to rest.
The clothes you wear clearly have a huge impact on how you think and what you do…
So lace up those running shoes, or throw on that blazer…
And get ready to take on the day. :)