Dressing with a purpose
A mindset for creation
There’s a quiet, often overlooked truth about how we show up in the world: what we wear profoundly impacts the way we approach the tasks, challenges, and relationships that shape our professional lives. For many of us, the office, even if that office is at home, is more than just a physical space; it’s where we cultivate ideas, solutions, and contributions that reflect our values and sense of purpose. But before any of that can happen, we first need to prepare ourselves. And one of the most important ways to do that is by carefully considering what we wear.
Dressing for our work, even when that work is at the home office, isn’t about superficiality or conforming to external standards. It’s about creating the right mindset, one that aligns with the energy, focus, and intention necessary to show up as our best selves. It’s a ritual of preparation, a way of stepping into the workday with the clarity and discipline required to create, lead, and engage at the highest level.
The Aikido Analogy: A Mental Uniform
Aikido, a Japanese martial art, provides an illuminating analogy for how we can approach dressing for work. In aikido, practitioners wear a gi—the traditional uniform—as a way to mark the transition from daily life to a state of readiness, focus, and discipline. The gi isn’t just a piece of clothing; it signals to the mind and body that they are about to engage in something deeply intentional. It’s an act of preparation for action, a step toward harnessing the energy and presence required to excel in that moment.
In much the same way, when you dress for the office, you’re putting on a mental gi. Your clothes become a tool to shift into a professional mindset, signaling to yourself that you’re ready to contribute, create, and lead. Whether it’s a tailored suit, a casual yet polished outfit, or an accessory that gives you confidence, your attire is a cue for your mind and body to align with the day ahead. Just as an aikido practitioner would never step onto the mat without their gi, stepping into the office without intentional thought about your appearance can leave you feeling ungrounded or disconnected from your purpose.
Mindset, Energy, and the Art of Creation
The gi in aikido isn’t merely about appearance; it’s about preparation. When we dress intentionally, we tap into a similar form of energy. This isn’t about meeting societal expectations or adhering to rigid norms—it’s about recognizing that what we wear has the power to access a focused, creative, and disciplined state of mind.
Think about how you feel when you put on an outfit that makes you feel confident, clear, and capable. Whether you're preparing for a big meeting, a presentation, or simply starting your workday, your attire becomes a tool for unlocking your ability to perform at your best. This process of intentional dressing aligns you with the energy of creation, focus, and vitality. It helps you step into the role you’re about to play with purpose and confidence.
What We Create Reflects Who We Are
Everything we create—whether it’s a project, a strategy, or a relationship—is a reflection of our values. The way we show up in the world is no different. Dressing for work is one of the most immediate ways we signal our values—not only to others, but also to ourselves. It communicates that we are committed to our work, that we take our role seriously, and that we value professionalism and self-respect.
When we dress thoughtfully, we’re setting the tone for what we wish to create. Like an artist approaching their canvas with intention, we approach our work with clarity and purpose. Our attire becomes a tool for unlocking our potential, empowering us to perform at our best. And that energy is contagious: when we show up with intention, others are more likely to feel that energy too.
Dressing as Empowerment
It’s crucial to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to “professional” attire. Empowerment comes from understanding what works for you—what helps you feel grounded, confident, and ready to bring your best self into the world. For some, that might mean a suit; for others, it could mean a more casual, yet still intentional, outfit. The point isn’t to conform to any standard, but to use your clothing as a tool that supports your confidence and creativity.
At its core, the way we dress is about aligning our outer presentation with our inner values and goals. It’s about preparing ourselves to create and perform at the highest level. The energy we bring to our work is often reflected in the choices we make about how we present ourselves. When we dress with intention, we’re signaling that we are ready to take on the challenges of the day, and to do so with purpose, energy, and creativity.
Step Into the Day with Purpose
So next time you dress for the work, take a moment to reflect on the purpose behind it. What are you creating today? How can your attire support that? Dressing intentionally is more than just a practical decision—it’s a way to step into the mindset of creation, to align your outer appearance with the values and energy you wish to bring into your work. It’s an act of empowerment, a signal to yourself and the world that you are prepared to engage with purpose, energy, and clarity.
