It’s the middle of August and that means for people ages 5 to 25 the start of a new school year is upon them. Even if you aren’t in that age range, you can probably remember the emotions that came along with having to return to campus. You also probably remember just how good it felt to get to put on new clothes, load up your new backpack with various colorful folders and unique writing utensils, and lace up your new shoes on that first day back. For some reason, that moment just made you feel better, regardless of circumstances or fears.
Like the Paolo Nuttini song says: “Hey, I put some new shoes on and suddenly everything is right. I said, hey, I put some new shoes on and everybody’s smiling. It’s so inviting.”
And those feelings aren’t imagined either. There is a real and psychological reason for it.
According to studies, if you look good you feel good and new clothes can provide that for most. (Which must be why the Kardashian's own so many different outfits.) Just that slight change can completely rebuild a person’s mindset and help them get on the right path. The same can be said for athletes.
Dr. Vivian Diller, a clinical psychologist who writes for the Huffington Post and consults with public relations firms and advertising agencies to help them understand the psychology behind appearance, thinks the same thing can be said for athletes.
“A new team uniform works much like a 'good hair' day does or when a guy wears a new suit to work,” says Diller. “What we see on the outside impacts what we feel on the inside, and that affects attitudes and behavior. It's a continuous loop.”
Just like the rest of us, NBA players are affected mentally by external factors. Like the great Yogi Berra once said, “Sports is 90% mental, the other half is physical.” While his math may have been more off than a Lady Gaga outfit, the premise is exactly right. Athletes can change the way they perform by changing the way they think.
After last season, that may just be what the doctor -- or in this case the psychologist -- ordered in Phoenix.
“The Suns are likely to feel some renewed energy and pride as they sport their new digs,” Diller told Suns.com. “And, it will be contagious to the fans -- at least initially. If they perform well, the new logo and uniform will gain a positive association.”
No one is kidding themselves, wins and losses on the court are what really matter but if new uniforms can give the new-look Suns even the slightest edge, it’s a good thing. Not to mention, as fans, a new look, along with a new coach, general manager and roster, will go a long way to starting a new era in Suns basketball.
“There's more than meets the eye when visually we see something new and different,” Diller explained. “We feel hope and expectation. This new uniform may reinforce for fans that the Suns have truly moved on from the (Steve) Nash days and that it's time for a fresh start.”
Welcome to the new age of Suns basketball. It looks different, it feels different, but it also reminds us of the history we share as fans with the organization. So when the Suns and you put on the new gear for the first time, remember you feel good for a reason. Just like you did on that first day of school when you were a kid.