Posture & Success
Most people think of success as a product of intelligence, hard work, and maybe a little luck. But what if something as basic as our posture played a role? It sounds trivial (almost silly), but the way we carry ourselves physically can influence both our internal state and the way others perceive us. And in a world where perception often shapes opportunity, this isn’t something to ignore.
Biology
Our body’s positioning affects our hormonal environment. Research suggests that standing in an “open” or “powerful” stance (chest up, shoulders back) can increase testosterone while lowering cortisol. More testosterone means greater confidence and assertiveness; while less cortisol means lower stress and better decision-making. (1 - link)
Conversely, if we spend most of our day hunched over a screen or standing with our shoulders rounded forward, we may be reinforcing a neurochemical state associated with passivity and stress. It’s a self-fulfilling loop: bad posture makes us feel small, and feeling small makes us behave as if we are.
Perception
The way we carry ourselves also changes how people see us. Some studies state that individuals with upright, expansive postures are perceived as more competent and able to exercise authority more effectively. (2 - link)
This matters in everything from job interviews to leadership roles. A confident posture isn’t a magic bullet, but in a competitive environment, even small advantages accumulate over time.
In fact, subtle shifts in posture can change the way people react to us, which in turn reinforces our own self-perception. Standing tall, people will treat us with more respect. Over time, this becomes our new baseline for social interactions.
Output
Beyond perception, posture affects actual cognitive and physical performance. Chronic poor posture can disrupt spinal alignment, leading to chronic pain and fatigue - both of which can drag down productivity and focus.
There’s a reason high performers pay attention to these details. Whether it’s athletes optimizing biomechanics or executives using standing desks, successful people understand that posture isn’t just about looking good - it’s about function.
How to Fix Our Posture
1 - Being aware of it; and correcting: shoulders back, head up, feet grounded. Small corrections, repeated consistently, add up;
2 - Strengthening our core: a weak core makes it harder to maintain good posture. Incorporating planks, dead hangs, and posterior chain work into our routine is great;
3 - Using external cues: setting up our environment so that good posture happens automatically. Adjusting our screen height or using a supportive chair, for example;
4 - Adopting power stances: before high-stakes situations, spending two minutes in an expansive posture. It’s a simple trick that can change our mental state;
5 - Moving often: static posture (good or bad) is the real enemy. Breaking up long periods of sitting with walking, stretching, or even standing meetings.
Posture is one of those things that seems insignificant, until we realize how much it affects our biology, perception, and output.
It’s a small lever with outsized returns, and it’s worth paying attention to.
And the best? For the most part, it’s completely within our control.
References
1 - Carney DR, Cuddy AJ, Yap AJ. Power posing: brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychol Sci. 2010 Oct;21(10):1363-8. doi: 10.1177/0956797610383437. Epub 2010 Sep 20. PMID: 20855902;
2 - Carney, D.R., Hall, J.A. & LeBeau, L.S. Beliefs about the nonverbal expression of social power. J Nonverbal Behav 29, 105–123 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10919-005-2743-z.
24/03/2025
