While slow walkers meander through life, those who naturally maintain a brisk pace even on lazy Sunday mornings are unknowingly revealing personality traits that psychologists link to higher achievement, better decision-making, and a fundamentally different approach to time itself.
Ever notice how some people just seem to zip through life at a different speed?
I'm talking about those folks who breeze past you on the sidewalk, their purposeful stride making you wonder if they're late for something important.
But here's the kicker: they walk that way all the time, even when they're just grabbing coffee on a lazy Sunday morning.
I used to be one of those slow walkers myself, meandering through life at my own pace.
But when I started trail running at 28, something shifted.
Not just my walking speed, but my entire approach to life.
And it turns out, there's fascinating psychology behind this phenomenon.
Research suggests that people who naturally walk fast, regardless of whether they're in a rush, tend to share certain personality traits that often correlate with success.
After diving into the studies and observing this pattern in successful people around me, I've identified seven key characteristics that fast walkers typically possess.
1) They have high conscientiousness
Fast walkers tend to score high on conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits that psychologists use to understand human behavior.
These are the people who show up prepared, meet deadlines without breaking a sweat, and have their lives relatively organized.
Think about it.
When you walk with purpose, even without a pressing deadline, you're essentially training your brain to approach everything with intention.
You're not just getting from point A to point B; you're doing it efficiently.
I noticed this in myself after years of waking at 5:30 AM for my morning runs.
That discipline of moving with purpose, whether on the trails or walking to the grocery store, spilled over into every area of my life.
Suddenly, I was finishing projects ahead of schedule and tackling my to-do list with newfound energy.
Conscientious people don't just move fast physically.
They think ahead, plan their routes, and waste less time on indecision.
This trait alone is one of the strongest predictors of career success across virtually every field.
2) They're naturally competitive
Here's something interesting: fast walkers often have a competitive streak, even if they don't realize it.
You know that feeling when someone passes you on the sidewalk and you unconsciously speed up?
Fast walkers feel that all the time, except they're usually the ones doing the passing.
This competitive nature isn't about beating others down; it's about constantly pushing themselves to be better.
Research from Oxford University shows that faster walking speed is linked to better health and motivation, and psychologists often interpret it as a behavioral signal of ambition and drive.
They're not satisfied with mediocrity, whether that's in their walking pace or their career trajectory.
This competitive spirit translates into success because these individuals are always looking for ways to improve, optimize, and excel.
They view challenges as opportunities to prove themselves rather than obstacles to avoid.
3) They possess strong time awareness
Fast walkers have an almost innate understanding of time's value.
They're not necessarily always in a hurry, but they recognize that time is a finite resource that shouldn't be wasted.
When I made the decision to leave my six-figure salary at 37 to pursue writing, one of the biggest factors was realizing how much time I was spending on things that didn't align with my values.
Fast walkers get this intuitively.
Every moment counts, so why not make the most of it?
This time awareness leads to better prioritization, more efficient decision-making, and ultimately, greater productivity.
These people don't spend 20 minutes deciding what to have for lunch or an hour scrolling through social media without purpose.
They make decisions quickly and move on.
Psychologists call this "temporal intelligence," and it's increasingly recognized as a key factor in professional success.
People with high temporal intelligence manage their schedules better, meet deadlines consistently, and achieve more in less time.
4) They have high energy levels
This one might seem obvious, but it goes deeper than just physical energy.
Fast walkers typically have high mental and emotional energy too.
Research from psychology journals suggests that walking speed is linked to overall vitality and life force.
People who walk quickly tend to have better cardiovascular health, which fuels both their bodies and brains with more oxygen and nutrients.
But beyond the physical aspect, these individuals approach life with enthusiasm.
They're the ones who volunteer for new projects, suggest innovative solutions, and maintain positive attitudes even during challenging times.
I've found that my morning trail runs don't just energize my body; they set a high-energy tone for my entire day.
That vigor shows up in my writing, my interactions with others, and my willingness to tackle difficult tasks.
5) They demonstrate strong goal orientation
Have you ever watched a fast walker navigate a crowded street?
They move with laser focus, weaving through obstacles without breaking stride.
This physical manifestation reflects a deeper psychological trait: goal orientation.
Fast walkers tend to be highly goal-oriented individuals who know where they're going, both literally and metaphorically.
They set clear objectives and pursue them relentlessly.
This clarity of purpose is what propels them forward, whether they're walking to the coffee shop or climbing the career ladder.
Studies show that people with strong goal orientation are more likely to achieve success in their careers, relationships, and personal development.
They don't just dream about what they want; they create actionable plans and execute them with determination.
6) They exhibit lower neuroticism
Here's where things get really interesting.
Research indicates that fast walkers typically score lower on neuroticism, meaning they're less prone to anxiety, mood swings, and emotional instability.
Think about it: when you're walking quickly and confidently, you're projecting and reinforcing a sense of control and capability.
This creates a positive feedback loop where your physical behavior influences your mental state.
I learned this lesson the hard way.
For years, I struggled with perfectionism that made me miserable, constantly second-guessing every decision.
But something about maintaining a brisk, purposeful pace helped me break free from that overthinking trap.
When you're moving forward physically, it's harder to get stuck in mental loops.
Lower neuroticism translates to better stress management, clearer thinking under pressure, and more stable relationships.
All crucial ingredients for long-term success.
7) They possess high openness to experience
Finally, fast walkers tend to score high on openness to experience, another of the Big Five personality traits.
They're curious, adventurous, and willing to try new things.
This might seem counterintuitive.
Wouldn't someone rushing through life miss out on experiences?
Actually, the opposite is true.
Fast walkers aren't rushing past life; they're eager to get to the next experience, the next opportunity, the next adventure.
These individuals embrace change rather than fear it.
They're the early adopters, the risk-takers, the ones who say yes to opportunities that others might shy away from.
This openness leads to richer experiences, broader networks, and more diverse skill sets.
Final thoughts
Walking speed might seem like a trivial detail, but it's actually a window into deeper personality patterns that influence success.
The good news? Even if you're naturally a slower walker, you can cultivate these traits.
Start by picking up your pace occasionally.
Notice how it feels to move with more purpose and energy.
You might be surprised at how this simple physical change begins to shift your mental state and approach to challenges.
Remember, success isn't just about moving fast.
It's about moving with intention, energy, and purpose.
Whether you're navigating a crowded sidewalk or your career path, these traits can help you reach your destination more effectively.
So the next time you find yourself being passed by a fast walker, don't just step aside.
Consider what drives them forward and how you might harness some of that energy in your own life.
After all, success often comes to those who refuse to slow down unnecessarily.
