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If you’re worried that this is one of those makeover posts where I tell you to start wearing power suits and pumps, don’t worry.

I’m not going to do that!

Unless power suits and pumps are part of the journey I’m going to talk about. In that case, power suits and pumps are in your future!

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

I’m a proponent of the adage: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life.

(It’s arguably more accurate to say Change Your Beliefs, Change Your Life. Changing your thinking implies: Oh, I’ll start thinking the sky is red, and then the sky will turn red. But then it doesn’t. So this whole thing is #$%&! Beliefs are a deeper, more entrenched level of thought. In order to have a change of thinking change your life, the change needs to happen at the belief level. Ultimately, it does come down to changing your thinking – but it’s those deeper-level thoughts (i.e. beliefs) that need changing.)

Here’s how the Change Your Thinking adage has played out in my life. I used to be a Grumpy McGrumperton. My nickname as a kid was Eeyore. And not because I was blue and rocked a tail with a pink bow on it.

I had an Eeyore attitude. I thought that everything sucked. And guess what? It did! How ‘bout that?!

Then I learned that thoughts and beliefs are powerful. My Eeyore everything-sucks thoughts and beliefs shifted to Winnie the Pooh everything-is-wonderful ones. As my thoughts and beliefs shifted, so did my life. How ‘bout that?

But this post isn’t about my thoughts and beliefs. This post is about another journey, one that parallels and complements the Change Your Thinking one.

The parallel track?

Change Your Clothing, Change Your Life.

When I hear the phrase “change your clothing,” I can’t help but think of a scolding parent, telling their child to change out of their dirty clothes into a more socially acceptable outfit.

This is not that. This is the about powerful effect what we’re wearing has on what we’re thinking.

Those of us who are on the Change Your Thinking team sometimes forget about the body. The body is an important part of the equation. When we care for our body, and dress it appropriately, this process can change our thoughts. And thus, our lives!

Here’s an example of how it works for me.

When I wake up, I put on my exercise clothes. These clothes make me feel like an exerciser. I’ve got on my athletic socks, my shorts, my T-shirt. My clothes then compel me to exercise in the morning.

Do my clothes drag me out the door and drive me to the park for my morning walk? They do not. But wearing my athletic clothes tells my mind – and body – that I mean business. Thus drastically increasing the chances that I will take said walk at said park.

Here’s another example: I work from home. When I first started doing this, I wore whatever I wanted. This was a pronouncement of my freedom. I didn’t have to go into an office! I could wear what I pleased!

After a while, however, I noticed that my I-can-do-whatever-I-want clothes lead me to believe exactly that. I felt all over the place. Less focused.

So I started dressing up. Not suit-and-tie dressing up. That’s my outfit for out-in-the-world gigs. My work-at-home outfit is more to the tune of a casual dress shirt and pants. They make me feel comfortable and focused.

And speaking of focus, Mondays are my unplugged day. That’s the day I’m not focusing on work. Given that I don’t have to be focused on work on Mondays, I have special Unplugged Outfits for my Mondays. Sweats. Pajamas. Outfits that say: I can do whatever I want today, and what I want to do is chill. Thank you very much.

Back to the power suits and pumps I mentioned at the top of this post. I’ve heard that some folks who work at home like to get super dressy, a la pumps and suits of power. The key is to figure out what works best for you. Which items of clothing will best get you in the mood to do whatever it is you’re wanting to do?

I use the word mood because, as we Change Your Thinking folks know, it’s about changing your thoughts and your feelings.

Clothing, being draped around the body and all, has a unique and powerful effect on how we feel. Which then supports the changes in our thinking.

So technically, it’s Change Your Clothing, Change Your Feelings, Which Then Influence Your Thoughts.

Whether it’s a power suit and pumps, or a sweatsuit and flip flops, you have the power to adorn your body in the perfect outfit for each and every intention you set.

Unless, of course, your intention is to have no intention at all. Then maybe no clothes at all?

It’s up to you. Have fun!


How do you use clothing to strengthen your intentions? Share your comments below!

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