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Mark Zuckerberg, Barack Obama and Albert Einstein have chosen to reduce the number of daily decisions they have to make by dressing the same way every day. Choosing your daily wardrobe is not only time-consuming, it’s also a source of stress and mental fatigue.
When billionaires break dress codes
Have you ever noticed that Steve Jobs always wears a black turtleneck and Levi’s 501 jeans, that Barack Obama favours grey or blue suits and that Mark Zuckerberg is a fan of the jeans-grey T-shirt duo? It’s no coincidence. These big names, like many other billionaires, have turned their minimalist wardrobes into a productivity tool.
Far from being a question of style or elegance, this choice of clothing responds to a very precise logic: to limit superfluous decisions as much as possible in order to concentrate on the essentials. As psychologist Barry Schwartz explains in his famous TED talk on the “paradox of choice”, every decision, no matter how small, consumes mental energy. And faced with the 10,000 to 40,000 decisions we make every day, it’s crucial to know where to place our cognitive resources.
The science behind billionaires’ clothing strategy
The theory of decision fatigue, developed by psychologist Roy F. Baumeister, highlights this phenomenon. The more decisions we make, the more our willpower is depleted, affecting our ability to make sound choices. It’s as if our brain were a muscle: the more it’s used, the more it tires. Choosing what to wear each morning may seem trivial, but it represents a considerable mental effort.
By opting for a dress uniform, these billionaires considerably reduce the number of daily decisions they have to make, thus preserving their mental energy for more important tasks. The example of Albert Einstein is particularly illustrative. Often photographed in his grey jumper and brown trousers, the physics genius considered that every minute spent choosing his clothes was a minute lost to science.
The tangible benefits of a dress uniform
Beyond simply saving mental energy, adopting a minimalist style of dress has many practical benefits:
- Time saving: This time can be devoted to more productive activities, such as reading, playing sport or spending time with your loved ones.
- Reduced stress: Choosing what to wear can be a major source of stress, especially for those who are concerned about their appearance. By opting for a uniform, you eliminate this source of stress and gain serenity.
- Saving money: By limiting your clothing purchases, you make considerable savings. What’s more, a simple, timeless style means you can keep your clothes for longer.
- Consistency and professionalism: A well-chosen uniform can project an image of consistency and professionalism. This is particularly important for entrepreneurs and business leaders who need to inspire confidence in their staff and customers.
How do you adopt a minimalist style?
If you too would like to enjoy the benefits of a dress uniform, here are a few tips:
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- Identify your style: Start by defining the colours, cuts and materials that suit you best. This will help you choose clothes that you’ll enjoy wearing every day.
- Invest in quality items: Choose durable, well-made clothes that will stand the test of time. This will give you a long-term return on your investment.
- Put together a capsule wardrobe: Select around ten basic, versatile pieces that you can easily mix and match. This will give you a wide range of possible outfits without cluttering up your wardrobe.
- Don’t forget accessories: Accessories can add a touch of personality to your dress uniform. Don’t be afraid to play around with scarves, hats, jewellery and belts to create different looks.
