My whole life I’ve been told that I walk fast. My dad did too, so perhaps it’s genetic. In the halls of the medical school, people hear my heels clicking and know I’m coming around the corner before they see me. And when my family and I visit big cities, my pace becomes a mild source of irritation. “Slow down,” they tell me, often and repeatedly.

Recently, I finally learned what this might be about. My husband came across an article describing the personality traits of fast walkers, and it turns out there’s actual research behind this everyday habit. Naturally, I had to read it. And I have to say that it made me feel better about walking fast. I love that someone studied this, and even better, the findings suggest that fast walking isn’t a flaw at all.

Here’s what the science suggests about fast walkers:

1. Fast walkers are goal-directed.
   Yes, we’re trying to get from Point A to Point B, and our walking has intention. We’re not particularly interested in a leisurely stroll when there’s somewhere to be. Fast walking reflects efficiency and is often associated with conscientiousness, discipline, and reliability. Let’s just get where we’re going.
2. Fast walkers tend to be extraverted.
   This connection surprised me at first, but it fits. You need energy to maintain a brisk pace, and usually there’s something waiting for you at your destination. Fast walkers often show high engagement with the world and a readiness to act.
3. Fast walkers are less sensitive to stress.
   This one made me smile. My daughter often says, “Slow down! You’re breezing past everyone.” But that doesn’t worry me. I’m focused on where I’m headed, not on the reactions of passersby. This trait reflects a steady resilience and confidence. I just keep moving forward without excessive concern about external distractions. And no, I’m not bulldozing people along the way, but I’m not wasting time either.
4. Fast walkers can be agreeable.
   This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s true. When my husband and I walk together most days, I slow my pace to match his. He walks more slowly thanks in part to knees worn down by college soccer. (I’d argue that being tossed around as a college cheerleader wasn’t exactly easy on my joints either.) Still, I can adapt and be flexible, even if I’m secretly thinking,Come on, let’s get that blood pumping.
5. Fast walkers are assertive.
   This one resonates deeply. Walking fast signals purpose. I know where I’m going, and I’m asserting my pace to get there. There’s a sense of confidence in claiming the ground beneath your feet and moving forward decisively.
6. Fast walkers are ambitious.
   Closely related to assertiveness, ambition shows up as urgency. There’s something to accomplish and moving faster means getting more done. The quicker I move, the more life I can fit into the day.

So, if, like me, you’re often criticized for outpacing your walking companions, take the feedback graciously, but don’t internalize it as a flaw. I’ll always accommodate those around me when needed. But when I’m flying solo, I’m keeping my pace. After all, those fast steps carry purpose and apparently, a whole lot of personality.