Scientific experiments indicate a “writer’s uniform” could make you more effective

So much about writing is a mind game.

Successful writers have routines that alert the subconscious to bring forth the muse. It may be a specific Montblanc pen, Moleskine notebook, extra-hot cafe latte… or a certain piece of clothing.

Plenty of professions have uniforms that, in the mind of the wearers, may set a mood or tone with them and the people around them. Think: doctors and nurses and their patients.

It just may be that you go into writing mode more deeply if you have a “writing uniform.”

Maybe it’s a special jacket, a certain scarf you always wear, or a particular t-shirt that has meaning. (Some writers have been known to wear cozy pajamas and bunny slippers, while others wore nothing at all). But I digress.

For entertaining and informative insight about a concept called “enclothed cognition,” watch this 2-minute video, which as it turns out is also a great example of an effective book trailer for You Are Now Less Dumb: How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Outsmart Yourselfby David McRaney.

You’ll learn how a particular uniform or piece of clothing can have symbolic meaning and how the psychological experience of wearing it could positively impact your writing practice.

What would your writing uniform be?

In a related post about routines, read How award-winning author Jonathan Franzen writes.

For more information about David McRaney, visit his blog.