How do you feel about the socks you wear? You probably fall into one of two camps. Either black, blue grey will do, or socks are a way for you to show off your individuality, personality and non-conformed attitudes.
You think this is dramatic or crazy? Well, it turns out that new research demonstrates that novel and crazy socks you choose to wear not only reveal a lot about you, but also how you’re perceived by other people.
So what’s the key point?
By wearing crazy socks, you’ll be perceived to have more authority and will probably end up being more successful.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The Surprising Opportunity to Show Huge Potential
Many of us conform to be part of the pack without realizing it, and this especially shows up in the way we speak, act and dress.
When someone doesn’t conform to the behavior of the tribe, they are seen as strange, weird and a bit crazy and we often end up dismissing the unfamiliar. However, socks are a completely different ball game.
Socks sit at the bottom of our trousers and are unassuming. They are almost secretive.
They’re not the most obvious item of clothing. So it’s an opportunity to show off our individuality to anyone who happens to notice, without being obviously outlandish.
What Your Crazy Socks Say About You
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research recently investigated the theory that people who are noncomformists are viewed as having higher status and more competent than those who conform to social norms.
What does this have to do with your decision to wear brightly colored or snake printed socks?
The study showed that people who have deliberately chosen to wear wacky socks are seen by others to have increased status and competency.
In other words:
People see those wearing wacky socks as being more brilliant, creative and successful.
“We proposed that, under certain conditions, nonconforming behaviours can be more beneficial to someone than simply trying to fit in. In other words, when it looks deliberate, a person can appear to have a higher status and sense of competency.”
Imagine a corporate business person dressed in a smart and expensive suit, only to have bright red socks under his pants. The boldness of the choice shows him to be outwardly conforming but revealing a rebellious and proud side.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Crazy Socks Show Our Uniqueness and Confidence
Dr. Adam Galinsky, a social psychologist from the Northwestern University, conducted a study that showed what we wear affects the way we think, feel and act.
When we put on our silly and crazy socks, we are partly showing off our uniqueness and our confidence. This then helps us get into the mindset of feeling good about ourselves. We are demonstrating to ourselves that we have the confidence to wear what we want and that we can embrace it.
This perception of ourselves helps us to develop a mentality of being successful.
Plain grey socks allow us to hide into the background of social norms whereas a nice pair of colored socks gives us the impression of giving two fingers up to the conforming attitudes of people around us.
If you’re a lover of fun and outlandish socks then go out in the world and embrace them.
You’ll end up giving off the perception of being a rebellious and creative spirit, and you’ll start to live up to that impression by cultivating a mindset of success.
Originally published on The Power of Ideas.
The post People Who Wear Crazy Socks Are More Creative, Rebellious and Successful appeared first on Educate Inspire Change.