Sarah first noticed it during her morning commute in Chicago. Every day, the same woman would pass her on the sidewalk—not jogging, not rushing to catch a train, just walking with this unmistakable sense of purpose. While Sarah scrolled through her phone and meandered toward the office, this woman moved like she had somewhere important to be, even though they were both heading to the same building.
It wasn’t just speed. It was the way she carried herself, eyes forward, steps deliberate. Sarah found herself wondering what drove that kind of energy at 7:30 AM. Was she late? Stressed? Or was there something deeper going on?
Turns out, behavioral scientists have been asking the same question. And their findings reveal something fascinating about the connection between how we move and how we think.
The Hidden Psychology Behind Your Walking Speed
The average person walks at roughly 1.2 to 1.4 meters per second. But scattered throughout every crowd are individuals who consistently move faster—not because they’re running late, but because that’s simply their natural pace.
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Fast walking psychology has become a legitimate area of research, and what scientists are discovering challenges our assumptions about personality and behavior. People who walk faster than average don’t just move differently—they think differently too.
“We’ve found that walking speed is like a window into someone’s psychological makeup,” explains Dr. Richard Wiseman, who conducted groundbreaking research on pedestrian behavior. “It’s not about being in a hurry. It’s about how your mind processes time, goals, and control.”
Across multiple studies involving thousands of participants, researchers have identified consistent psychological indicators among fast walkers. These individuals score higher on conscientiousness, report feeling more in control of their lives, and show stronger goal-oriented thinking patterns.
What the Research Actually Shows
The University of Hertfordshire conducted one of the most comprehensive studies on fast walking psychology. Researchers observed thousands of pedestrians in busy shopping areas, timing how long it took people to cover fixed distances. They then correlated walking speeds with detailed personality assessments.
The results were remarkably consistent. Here’s what they found about people who walk faster than average:
- Higher conscientiousness scores – They’re more organized, reliable, and disciplined
- Stronger sense of personal control – They believe their actions influence their outcomes
- Goal-oriented mindset – They focus more on objectives than immediate sensations
- Time sensitivity – They report feeling physically restless when forced to wait
- Future-focused thinking – They plan ahead more than average
A separate Duke University study tracked participants for decades, measuring walking speed in midlife and following up 20-30 years later. The findings were striking:
| Walking Speed | Health Outcomes | Cognitive Performance | Life Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faster than average | Better physical health | Stronger mental sharpness | Higher sense of agency |
| Average speed | Moderate outcomes | Average cognitive function | Standard satisfaction levels |
| Slower than average | More health challenges | Declining cognitive markers | Lower sense of control |
“What surprised us most was how predictive walking speed could be,” notes Dr. Stephanie Studenski, who led the longevity research. “A simple behavior observed in someone’s 40s or 50s correlated with their wellbeing decades later.”
Why Fast Walkers Think Differently
The connection between walking speed and psychology isn’t random. Researchers believe it reflects deeper patterns in how our brains are wired for motivation, time perception, and self-regulation.
Fast walkers often display what psychologists call “high agency”—they believe their actions directly influence their outcomes. This mindset creates a feedback loop where purposeful movement reinforces feelings of control and effectiveness.
Their relationship with time is different too. While most people experience time as something that happens to them, fast walkers treat time as a resource to be managed. They’re not necessarily impatient, but they’re acutely aware of how they spend their moments.
“It’s about energy and intention,” explains behavioral researcher Dr. Marc Berman. “Fast walkers move through the world like they have agency over their experience. That mindset shows up in how they walk, but it also shapes how they approach challenges, relationships, and goals.”
The conscientiousness factor is particularly interesting. Fast walkers tend to be more organized in all areas of life—not just their walking speed. They’re the people who arrive prepared, follow through on commitments, and maintain consistent routines.
What This Means for Your Daily Life
Understanding fast walking psychology doesn’t mean you should suddenly start speed-walking everywhere. But it does offer insights into the connection between physical behavior and mental patterns.
If you’re naturally a fast walker, you might recognize these psychological indicators in yourself. You probably value efficiency, feel frustrated by delays, and approach goals with systematic thinking.
For slower walkers, this research isn’t about judgment—it’s about awareness. Walking speed reflects personality, but personality can also be influenced by conscious choices about how we move through the world.
Some people have started experimenting with intentionally walking faster as a way to cultivate more goal-oriented thinking. While the research doesn’t prove that changing your walking speed will transform your personality, there’s growing interest in how physical habits might reinforce mental patterns.
The workplace implications are fascinating too. Teams with naturally fast walkers often show different dynamics—more urgency around deadlines, higher productivity metrics, and stronger follow-through on projects.
“Understanding these patterns helps us appreciate the diversity of how people are wired,” notes organizational psychologist Dr. Jennifer Aaker. “Fast walkers aren’t better or worse—they’re just operating with different psychological software.”
FAQs
Does walking faster make you more successful?
The research shows correlation, not causation. Fast walkers tend to have traits associated with success, but walking speed alone doesn’t determine outcomes.
Can you train yourself to be a fast walker?
Yes, you can consciously increase your walking speed. Whether this changes your underlying psychology is still being studied.
Are fast walkers more stressed?
Not necessarily. Many fast walkers report feeling calm and in control, not anxious or stressed about time.
Is this true across all cultures?
The research has been conducted primarily in Western cultures. Walking speed norms and their psychological correlates may vary in different societies.
What’s considered “fast” walking?
Anything consistently above 1.4 meters per second (about 3.1 mph) is considered faster than average for casual walking.
Do fast walkers live longer?
Some studies suggest correlations with better health outcomes, but walking speed is just one factor among many that influence longevity.
