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The Importance of a Working Closet


Neatly arranged closet with purple and neutral clothes, shoes, and a bag. Inspirational quotes on signs. Cozy and organized vibe.
Working closet

The Importance of a Working Closet

(And Why Your Closet Might Be Holding You Back)

Let’s talk about something I will shout from the rooftops all day long:

Your closet should work for you—not against you.


After more than 25 years of coaching, I can tell you this with absolute confidence…One of the most overlooked obstacles in a health journey is a closet full of clothes that don’t fit your current life.

And I mean that in every direction.


The Problem Most People Ignore

Most closets are filled with:

  • Clothes that are too small (the “someday” pile)

  • Clothes that are too big (the “just in case” pile)

  • Clothes that don’t fit your style, body, or lifestyle anymore

  • Clothes you wish you loved but never wear

That’s not a working closet.That’s confusion.

And confusion leads to frustration… which leads to inconsistency.


Let’s Start with the Big One: Clothes That Are Too Big

This is where I get a little direct.

You need to get rid of your bigger clothes as you lose weight.

Not store them. Not “just in case.”Get rid of them.

Why?

Because they quietly become a permission slip.

  • “It’s fine if I gain a few pounds… I still have clothes that fit.”

  • “I’ll just wear these for now.”

  • “No big deal.”

It is a big deal.

Your environment should support your progress—not make it easier to slide backward.


Now Let’s Talk About the “Someday” Clothes

The goal jeans.The size you wore 20 years ago.The outfit you’re hoping to “earn.”

Let me ask you something:

Is that inspiring… or is it discouraging?

For most people, it’s discouraging.

Because every time you see it, you’re reminded:

  • “I’m not there yet.”

  • “I should be further along.”

  • “Why haven’t I figured this out?”

That’s not motivation—that’s pressure.

If and when you get there…you can go buy the clothes.

You deserve clothes that fit the body you have right now.


The Truth About Tailoring Old Clothes

I hear this all the time:“I’ll just have everything tailored.”

In reality?

That works for about 10% of people.

For most, those clothes carry emotional weight.

You don’t see the new version of yourself…You see who you were when you wore them.

And that matters more than we think.


The “What Was I Thinking?” Purchases

We’ve all done it:

  • Bought something because it looked cute on someone else

  • Loved it in the store, hated it at home

  • Held onto it because “maybe someday I’ll wear it”

If you don’t love it, don’t feel good in it, or don’t reach for it…

It’s not your style. Let it go.

Your closet should be full of things that make getting dressed easy.


What a Working Closet Actually Looks Like

A working closet:

  • Fits your current body

  • Reflects your current lifestyle

  • Makes getting dressed simple

  • Feels good every time you open it

There is no stress. No overthinking. No frustration.

Just options that work.


How to Clean Out Your Closet (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

This is where people get stuck.

They think:“I’ll just go through everything quickly.”

Nope.

This takes intention.

Here’s how to do it the right way:

1. Try Things On (Yes, Really)

You cannot do this by holding things up.

Try it on. Look in the mirror. Move in it.

Ask:

  • Do I feel good in this?

  • Would I wear this today?

  • Does this fit my life right now?

2. Use 4 Simple Categories

  • Keep (fits now, feels good)

  • Too Big (remove immediately)

  • Unrealistic (let go)

  • Not Me (style/color/fit doesn’t work)

No “maybe” pile. That’s where clutter lives.

3. Take It One Section at a Time

If you’re overwhelmed:

  • One drawer

  • One section of hanging clothes

  • One category (jeans, tops, workout clothes)

Small wins build momentum.

4. Ask for Help If You Need It

If you’re not great at seeing yourself clearly…

Bring in a friend.

Someone honest. Someone supportive.Someone who will tell you the truth (kindly).

5. Remove It Immediately

Do not leave bags sitting around.

Donate it. Give it away. Get it out of your house.

The longer it stays, the more likely it creeps back in.


Why This Matters More Than You Think

This isn’t about clothes.

This is about:

  • Identity

  • Standards

  • Follow-through

When your closet reflects your current goals, your current habits, and your current self…

You show up differently.

You make better choices. You feel more aligned. You stay consistent.


Final Thought

You don’t need a perfect closet.

You need a working closet.

One that supports your progress. One that reflects who you are becoming. One that makes your life easier—not harder.

Start small.Stay honest.And remember…

You can’t move forward if you keep holding onto the past.

I am Always on your side,

Coach Paris 💜💚


Smiling woman in black turtleneck with silver earrings on a city street. Out-of-focus buildings in the background create a relaxed mood.
Coach Paris





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