There’s no denying that brisk walking can benefit your cardiovascular and overall physical health. A brisk walk, especially with a pal, can also release endorphins that boost your mental health. However, walking faster than others habitually and for reasons other than exercise may reveal certain traits about you.
The idea of linking the need for speed with characteristics can sound like a page from the astrology/Myers-Briggs/enneagram enthusiast book. Yet, one psychologist is on board with the notion that habits can tell us a thing or two about ourselves.
“I think it is important to understand our habits because they can provide subtle cues about personality or behavioral tendencies,” states Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist.
That said, she doesn’t use singular habits to diagnose her patients, and she doesn’t believe people should consider one behavior to be the be-all, end-all of who they are.
“It is equally important to remember that they don’t define us,” Dr. Schiff tells Parade. “Habits are just one piece of a complex personality. So they can reflect patterns, but are not a fixed indicator of someone’s character or their intelligence.”
The habit of walking more quickly than everyone else can certainly provide some clues into your strong suits and things you could stand to work on. So, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking about whether any of the below subtle traits associated with people who always walk faster than others ring true for you. Scroll (stroll?) this way for some insights that might floor you.
Related: Psychologist Reveals That People Who Write Out To-Do Lists by Hand Share These 7 Unique Traits
What Does Psychology Say About People Who Walk Fast?
One 2017 study in Social Psychological and Personality Science looked at 15,000 adults and found that faster walkers were more likely to be extroverted, open (to new experiences) and conscientious. People who walked more slowly were generally more uptight.
Even with the data, Dr. Schiff says it’s important not to get too attached to labels around walking fast. Also, the underlying reason for fast walking can provide clues into what traits you can actually and personally link to this habit.
“People may walk faster for a variety of reasons. It may be a sense of urgency, high energy levels or even just a habit from work or social environments,” she states. “It may align with one’s personal style or others might do it unconsciously as a response to stress or trying to be efficient.”
Related: These 7 ‘Annoying’ Habits Actually Signal Intelligence, Psychologist Says
7 Traits of People Who Always Walk Faster Than Others, According to a Psychologist1. Goal-oriented
Fast walkers may move through life with intention, literally and figuratively. Some of them may be introverted (even though the aforementioned study reported fast walkers are more likely to be extroverted). However, they may quietly have their eyes on the prize and let their legs do the walking and talking.
“A trait fast walkers often have is that they are goal-oriented,” Dr. Schiff shares. “They are moving with purpose, and the act of walking quickly mirrors a general drive to reach their goals efficiently.”
2. High energy
Some adults live on coffee and vibes. Others are energizer bunnies after a cup of decaf Joe, and they can live life in the sidewalk’s fast lane (and since those lanes don’t actually exist, they may have the mental capacity to carve one out for themselves).
“Being energetic may make you naturally walk faster since your body is primed for movement and action throughout the day,” Dr. Schiff says.
3. Impatient
A fast foot speed can signal lower tolerance for waiting, Dr. Schiff warns.
“These individuals prefer to move quickly rather than linger and take their time,” she explains.
It’s understandable in the go-go-go, on-demand society we live in, that lets us hail a ride with a swipe and tap, but this trait can make others feel uncomfortably rushed.
4. Confidence
What’s wrong with being confident? Often, not much, as fast walkers may tell you.
“Walking with a brisk pace can reflect confidence and self-assurance,” Dr. Schiff says. “It signals comfort in navigating space and environment.”
It makes sense—you often want to feel safe and comfortable in a specific setting before breezing through it at breakneck speed.
5. Quick decision makers
Fast walkers may think quickly on their feet, and Dr. Schiff says they don’t usually keep people waiting for a verdict.
“Fast walkers are decisive, make quick choices and commit to action,” she shares. “This can extend into their walking pace as a physical reflection of decisiveness.”
6. Punctual
Speedy walkers respect time. whether it’s a deadline at work or a commitment to meet a pal at a certain time for a coffee date.
“Those attuned to schedules and deadlines may walk faster because they are time-conscious and are trying to maximize efficiency and ensure punctuality,” Dr. Schiff says.
Related: People Who Are Always Late Often Share These 8 Other Traits, Psychologists Say
7. Self-reliance
You may not have thought of this subtle habit often linked to people who always walk faster than others.
“Moving quickly can also reflect self-reliance and comfort in forging one’s own path without being slowed by others’ pace, so the trait of being independent,” Dr. Schiff explains.
Related: 5 ‘Exhausting’ Habits of Eldest Daughters, a Researcher Warns
Do Faster Walkers Have Higher IQs?
A five-year study of 904 people suggested that people with faster walking paces had higher IQs and larger brains. In fact, fast walkers’ IQs were 16 points higher at age 45 than those of participants with the slowest speeds. The study was published in 2019 in JAMA Neurology. However, the study indicated a correlation between the two, but nothing is definitive.
Dr. Schiff shares that there’s always been speculation that people with fast walking speeds were “smarter” than their unhurried peers, but she doesn’t see enough evidence to prove those theories at this time.
“Some may speculate this connection because walking quickly can signal decisiveness, energy and a goal-oriented nature,” she tells Parade. “These traits are culturally associated with competence, but research does not back these assumptions.”
What This Means for You
It’s hard to say whether you “should” walk faster or slower. Obviously, if you’re using walking to boost your physical health, a brisk pace is your target. However, if you’re strolling with a dog or by yourself, your speed may reveal positive traits or areas you could improve.
“Walking fast can be positive because it may boost physical health and signal confidence,” Dr. Schiff states. “Walking faster may help you stay energized and keep up with a busy schedule.”
Still, a lively pace has its pitfalls—and walking slowly has its upsides.
“Walking may be negative if it leads to impatience, stress or frustration when navigating slower-paced environments,” she explains. “Walking slower can be beneficial when you want to reduce your stress, engage more fully with your surroundings and mindfully reflect.”
Speaking of mindful reflection, consider why you walk faster than others and how it makes you feel. From there, you can figure out if it’s a habit worth keeping.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Life section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.