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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I agree 1000%! For my two “work at home” days, I started wearing nice pants and shirt, as if I’m visiting patients in person. I feel better and do better!
Hi Maureen, That’s so cool. Yay! Happy New Year!! XOZ
Yay… Hi Z🤗
Definitely agree.. when I want to work in my yard I make sure to put on appropriate work clothes…
When I volunteer at the local Foodbank I dress in colorful, comfortable (but not gardening) work clothes. And in order to feel good and be colorful and coordinated I wear a mask that matches my outfit for shopping or the Foodbank . We are so blessed to have these choices. Colors are awesome. Being able to see them is a gift. Styles are fun and playing with it all is enlivening 🌈
SharonJoy 🌸
Hi SharonJoy, Yes to matching masks with your outfit. I love doing that! And I agree with you about colors, and styles, and FUN!! BIG Love, Z
This is a good one — clothes don’t make the person, but they sure can influence our attitudes about ourself. Thanks for the reminder, Z. All the best, many blessings and time to savor them. Tara
Hi Tara, Great to hear from you. BIG Love and Blessings to you and your family!! XOZ
Excellent timing……..I just finished spending around, $2,000. on clothes for the winter season. Lots of fun stuff like sweat hoodies and pants…..casual pants with drawn in cuffs, especially for walking, jogging, or bike riding…..Fun tops, long sleeved with designer designs like, under-armor, NASA, Marvel heroes, etc.
you are right….it does change thinking and it puts you in control of your thoughts and a big one is: I take extra time to launder them in a caring and purposeful ideology..Fun stuff!
Hi Michael, That sounds wonderful!! Congratulations on your new Winter Wardrobe!!! Happy New Year! XOZ
I know when the pandemic introduced working from home as a reality for me, I continued to dress as if I were going to the office. While I don’t use my camera for most of the meetings I participate in, it’s ready and I’M READY, should I need to turn it on. Like you talked about, when I’m dressed “for work” my brain responds by shifting into “work” mode and I “go” to work (even though I’m only about 10 feet from my bed). Thanks for the message. While for me I knew I needed to do it, I hadn’t really made the connection as to why it was important. You put the pieces together for me.
Hi Liah, Yes, I love this. Clothing definitely affects what’s going on in our brains, as you say. Thank you so much for your comment! BIG Love, Z
Your post reminded me of a whole series of Facebook posts from last year. People were joking about changing from their day pajamas to their night pajamas. Or wearing their shirt and tie with no pants. Just because they couldn’t go into the office they didn’t understand that not getting dressed for the day expressed an intention to avoid life for the day. Getting dressed is the first step to living the life you want to live.
Hi Eleanor, Yes – getting dressed is the first step to living the life you want to live. Love this! Happy New Year! BIG Love, Z
I hope this isn’t too much. I sometimes get dressed up like I’m going to an expensive lunch and put on sparkle eyeshadow it’s fun and makes me laugh which is the best part.
Hi Gaelen, Oooooh – that sounds like so much fun! Sparkles make everything better!! XOZ
Of course I love hearing your thoughts and teachings … ALWAYS. But this is a tough one for me right now. At least now I will “think” about it after hearing you and the other remarks, and one day maybe I will post that I changed my clothes (LOL- I do wear clean clothes and shower daily, however my wife would be happier if I didn’t wear my spiritual “holy” shirts and sweats to work (at home) because, “What if the mailman rings the bell” haha, I love you guys ❤❤❤
Hi Cathy, The cool thing about clothes is that you get to choose. If what you’re wearing works for you, then It Works!! Just sayin. It’s all about figuring out what works best for YOU. LOVE you too!!! XOZ
Absolutely, my clothing changes my thinking!! For my 3 workdays, it’s full out – doc martens, slacks, vibrant sweaters, and complete bling! What an uplifting practice!! Thx for this blueprint for specificity of success!! Lv U!!
Hi Verona, I’m getting a great visual – with the doc martens and vibrant sweaters!! Yay! Love you too!!!! Happy New Year! XOZ