If you’ve ever put on a watch and felt more secure, worn a pair of heels and felt more confident, or picked up a clipboard and felt ready to get down to business, you aren’t alone.

In a study by Hajo Adam and Adam D.Galinsk, called Enclosed Cognition, everyday people without scientific experience tested out wearing 2 lab coats while solving a problem–one lab coat was a real lab coat, and the other was a dummy made out of cheaper materials. When they wore the dummy coat, they did just as well as when they didn’t wear a coat. But once they put on the real lab coat, they immediately had a boost in their focus and attentiveness.

Todd Herman talks about the Alter Ego Effect, and how people have the ability to create new personas that are the best versions of themselves in specific contexts. Like Stefani Germonotta, a shy introvert who transforms into alter ego, Lady Gaga to perform boldly on stage.

Read More