It's week one of a brand new year and we are all eager as ever to put our new goals into action. For many of us ladies, I know that reaching a certain weight goal is top of mind. However, one part of the conversation about reaching a weight goal that I don't think is discussed enough is how you dress your body while you are trying to reach said weight goal. It's common to hear retailers talk about purchasing a new workout outfit to spur your motivation - which I wholeheartedly believe in by the way! - but how do you dress your body for the rest of the day?
As you are working towards your goal weight, walking into your closet can be a source of frustration, stress, shame and downright de-motivating.
For many women, I know this is a real pain point because I hear it from friends and family members and clients all the time. As you are working towards your goal weight, walking into your closet can be a source of frustration, stress, shame and downright de-motivating. Am I right?
Some follow the belief that if you keep clothes front and center that you will fit into once you reach your goal weight, it serves as a source of motivation and inspiration. That seeing those clothes is a visual reminder of your goal and a motivator to keep going.
You want to know what I think? I think it's a huge de-motivator! It's my belief and experience that looking at a closet full of things that don't fit you incites sadness and shame instead of joy and happiness. And who wants to feel sadness and shame every time they walk into their closet?
Looking at a closet full of things that don't fit you incites sadness and shame, instead of joy and happiness.
Imagine for a moment walking into a closet of things that fit you - right now. What would that feel like? How would that change your perception of your body to get dressed in something that fits you as it is? Imaging loving what you see. How would it feel to look in the mirror and say, "Damn, girl - you look good!" (Instead of, "UGH, this STILL doesn't fit. I'm not doing good enough. I need to work harder. I need to try harder. I am not enough.") Do you see the difference here? Don't you think this would be a whole lot more motivating to push you towards your goals? I do.
When we can learn to love what we see right now in front of us, we offer ourselves a whole lot more care and compassion instead of hatred, feeling less than, or not deserving of good things. And when we love what we see and how we feel now, it changes our entire day! Even science backs this up!
It is scientifically proven that how we feel when we get dressed has a huge impact on our behaviors, our attitude, our personality, our interaction with others, our mood and our confidence.
It is scientifically proven that how we feel when we get dressed has a huge impact on our behaviors, our attitude, our interaction with others, our mood and our confidence. How it works is that when you put on something you feel good in, your brain activates and sends chemicals throughout your body - in this case, good chemicals. And when you put on something that makes you feel frumpy, dumpy, lumpy and just less than - you guessed it - it sends negative chemicals throughout your body. Leading in worst cases to increased feelings of depression or anxiety.
So if you're thinking, this all sounds nice, Ellie, but "How do I practically put this into action?" I got you. Here are two things you can do, this week:
Put clothes that fit you now front and center. Go through your closet and keep what fits and flatters you right now. Anything else that doesn't fit, but that you want to keep once you hit your goal weight, should be put aside, out of view. Pack them away in a box and place them in another room. They can be pulled out once you are ready.
Buy an outfit you love that fits you now. Yes, you heard me. I can already hear you saying that you don't want to spend money or something that won't fit you in the future. But believe me, it's important! And I'm not talking about a workout outfit. I'm talking about a real outfit that you can wear on your next zoom call. Buying something you love and that fits you now is the key to feeling good, staying inspired, and loving what you see in the mirror.
Let me share a story of a client who was feeling this exact way...
"I am 6’4”, and dressing my body has never been fun, and always stressful. I would go for things that were long enough, whether they looked good on me or not. And then they would sit in my closet as I didn’t even really feel good in them, or they just didn’t “feel” like me. Maybe some of you can relate? And anytime there was an event or trip, my mind would instantly get stressed as I began ordering tons of things online to try and find something that fit and prayed they would look ok. It’s never been an enjoyable thing for me. Until now. Ellie has taught me to uncover what my true style is... and what things flatter me. She has encouraged and supported me and helped me love the body I have today... not the one that I “hope to have one day.” This is priceless to me. And it’s truly self-care. It has helped me so much mentally and emotionally, and has allowed me to feel more confident in my own skin. - Shelly
[Ellie] has encouraged and supported me and helped me love the body I have today... not the one that I “hope to have one day.”
I love Shelly's story because it's all about letting go of the negative thoughts and images we have of ourselves, and the horrible ways in which we hold ourselves back from joy and happiness. It's time to start allowing yourself to feel joy when you get dressed, ladies! I know you can do this and I'd love to support you in your style needs as you go through this process. Keep reading to learn how I can help!
Need some help putting together a killer outfit that fits and flatters your body now - and is within a budget you want to spend?
I can help! Sign up for my Mini Style Board service where I will help you put together one complete look AND I do all the shopping for you! We’ll meet on a 30-minute Zoom call to determine what you are looking to achieve and determine your unique style. Then, I’ll get to work on putting together a style board customized for you. Learn more or purchase.
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