Dress for the job you want, not the job you have
It is common knowledge that at work, perception and image carry as much as your abilities. Hence the saying “Fake it till you Make it”.
You need Executive Presence before you become an Executive, right?
In addition to leaving a powerful impression with others, dressing up it also infuse a sense of professionalism and seriousness to your own performance. Studies have shown dressing up improved real and perceived results in negotiation, sales and even everyday work. While this is not a “hack” to get ahead instead of doing the real work, it may give you that extra “boost”.
Just don’t over do it, especially if that makes you stand out versus the norm at your office environment. The simple key? Clean, Neat, and Fit.
Unless a part of your work actually requires being fashionable to impress or promote your work, being overly fashionable or trendy can also distract people from your real talents and contributions!
Bonus Habit 1: Simplify your Closet and Reduce Decision Fatigue
World leaders like President Barack Obama has a simple, effective wardrobe: Gray or Blue suits. One of my general managers had a black suit + white shirt regimen. That became a part of their “visual identity” and was a very deliberate decision.
Numerous studies showed we can only make a limited number of decisions with a good level of diligence and attention. Most things we do are actually (and should be) automatic. Why spend precious mental capacity on what clothes to wear and how they match the shoes?
Why not spend them on the impacts or connections you will make today instead?
Yes, it may take x minutes each day, but fast forward 1 year, 10 years…. how much time would you have spent organizing, sorting, deciding?
Some Additional Tips:
- Keep essential pieces in compatible colors and style, buy quality
- When you buy a new piece, donate an old one and say Thank You (I do this)
- Use fashion concierge and fitting service to buy at once and save time
- Subscription and rental (e.g. for events)
So if you wondered why school and work uniforms exist, they are not only to make you “uniform” but also to save you energy!
Bonus Habit 2: Automatic Behaviour
Start your Next Day the Night Before.
- Download your thoughts from today, list learnings, gratitude as well as priorities.
- Check your schedule and get your gear ready before you go to bed.
When you get up, you will be ready to go with energy and little hesitation and barriers.
If you planned to get to the gym in the morning, pack your bag and have it by the door. One less excuse. If you planned to write 1 page a day, have your pen and notebook out on the breakfast table. It will be ready for you.
If I sound like your mom, that’s because I got it from my mom’s wisdom. And it works.
Our life and accomplishments are a series of little decisions we make every day. Which ones would you rather make?
Further Reading:
