Have you had moments when there were negative voices in your head that kept you from moving forward and feeling stuck? Recently, I listened to a powerful podcast by Mel Robbins that focused on lies we tell ourselves and how they keep us stuck in negative thinking patterns. As I listened to the podcast, I realized that the negative self-talk and lies were similar to what many clients say to themselves. The lies affect our mindset and how we show up—including how we dress daily. Mel Robbins highlighted experts on her show, broke down a few common beliefs, and replaced them with empowering truths that pave the way for personal growth, so I thought I would combat a few lies that I hear people share and combat them with truths. It doesn’t matter if you are starting out, in corporate, a leader, or an entrepreneur, how you show up matters.
How you approach your wardrobe and your inner dialogue can impact how you show up authentically, on brand, and confidently.
Lie 1: I am not worthy
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- How often have you looked at your closet only to see clothes that no longer fit or clothes that you’re tired of wearing and felt frustrated, defeated, or like a failure? Often, people hang onto the clothes because they are going to lose the weight (one day), which can lead down a rabbit hole of “What’s wrong with me?” It could also stem from feelings of being inadequate or not enough.
Lie 2: I can’t
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- If you say or repeat the phrase “I can’t” it can quickly become a self fulfilling prophecy. It doesn’t matter if it’s about you losing weight, not knowing where to shop, how to save money to invest in a new wardrobe, or being able to put outfits together. It may seem like an insignificant statement or thought, but it holds power over you and reinforces the idea that change is impossible.
Lie 3: I should already know how
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- Have you said to yourself “I should already know?” Why are you imposing judgment on yourself? Who says you should you know? Did you already learn it? We can’t know it all, and when we are in unfamiliar territory, it’s normal to ask for help and guidance. Negative judgment undermines your confidence by making you feel inadequate for seeking help or learning new things.
The Empowering Truth
The truth is simple: “You can change and grow.” No matter where you are in your career, whether you’re part of a team or a leader, you want to be constantly learning and growing; it’s a part of how we evolve and level up. Instead of feeling stuck and viewing change as a daunting challenge, you can look at it as an opportunity for growth. Each step toward learning or evolving is a step toward a better version of yourself. By shifting what you say to yourself, you can shift your thoughts from “What is wrong with me or I’m not worthy?” to “I am worth the investment.” Try swapping the phrase “I can’t” to “I can learn how,” and switch out “I should already know” to “Who can I ask for help.” .
The Power of Small Shifts
Small shifts in your self-talk can genuinely change how you approach your wardrobe each morning. As you start each day think about phrases that you would say to a friend who was struggling. You would likely say encouraging words that would lift them up. What if you started each day with those same encouraging words and positive reinforcement. What you say to yourself and what you wear has power. When you take time to transform your style and mindset, it can bring positivity into your life.
When you decide to change how you speak to yourself, you can unlock the potential to improve your style and reveal a confident, polished version of yourself that embraces new opportunities with ease and takes bold steps toward achieving your goals. Your thoughts create your reality, and by replacing limiting beliefs with empowering truths, you can build a wardrobe and a mindset that supports your best self. If you need help finding and creating a new style, reach out. I am here to help.