Neil takes a look at the concept of ‘enclothed cognition’, exploring how the clothes we wear can significantly influence our psychological processes, confidence, and performance. Drawing on a 2012 study by psychologists Adam Galinsky and Hajo Adam, Neil discusses how different perceptions of clothing - like a lab coat perceived as a doctor's coat versus a painter's smock - can lead to varying cognitive outcomes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The concept of enclosed cognition suggests that the clothes we wear can significantly influence our psychological processes, such as attention, confidence, and performance. This means that our self-perception can be altered by our clothing choices.

Wearing specific types of clothing, like a blazer or dress shoes, during study or work sessions can help shift mindsets from casual to focused, potentially enhancing performance in tasks such as test preparation or professional work.

Clothing can serve as part of daily rituals that signal to our brains the roles we are stepping into. This can help reinforce our identity and align it with our goals, leading to improved focus and productivity.

While comfort is often prioritised in work-from-home environments, there is a suggestion that dressing more professionally can enhance cognitive performance and overall effectiveness in work tasks.

Individuals are encouraged to experiment with their clothing choices to find what works best for them. This includes keeping specific outfits for deep work or important tasks, thereby creating personal signals that promote a productive mindset.

BEST MOMENTS

"Enclosed cognition refers to the way the clothes we wear influence our psychological processes, our attention, confidence, our performance, even our decision making."

"What if the act of simply wearing a blazer or dress shoes during practice sessions subtly shifts their mindset?"

"Is this obsession with comfort costing us cognitive performance? Is it taking the edge off us?"

"The clothes we wear can signal to our own brain. This is who we are right now."

"If you can, just give me a bell. I'd love to find out what that's all about."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

www.Neilcowmeadow.com

[email protected]

HOST BIO

Neil Cowmeadow is a maverick peripatetic guitar teacher from Telford with over 19 years’ experience in the business of helping people. Learn how to start, grow and love your business with Neil’s invaluable advice and tips without the buzzwords and BS!

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/