About This Experiment
Research from Stanford University found that walking increases creative output by an average of 60 percent. Steve Jobs was famous for his walking meetings. Aristotle taught while walking in the Lyceum. There is something about forward movement that opens the mind in ways that sitting in a conference room simply cannot.
For seven days, replace at least one seated meeting or conversation per day with a walking one. This works for one-on-one catch-ups, brainstorming sessions, phone calls, and even personal conversations. The movement adds energy, the change of scenery sparks ideas, and the side-by-side orientation often makes difficult conversations easier.
How To Do It
- Identify one meeting per day that could work as a walk. One-on-one meetings and phone calls are the easiest starting point. Avoid meetings that require screens or group presentations.
- Propose it to the other person in advance. A simple "Would you mind if we walk and talk instead?" is usually well received. Most people welcome the change.
- Plan a route. A circular path that returns you to your starting point is ideal. Parks, quiet streets, or even hallways work. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of walking.
- Bring a small notepad or use voice memos for any action items. Keep notes brief -- the conversation itself is the priority.
- After each walking meeting, log three things: creativity rating (1-10), meeting quality rating (1-10), and your step count for the day.
- At the end of the week, compare your logged walking meetings against your seated meetings for quality and outcomes.
What To Track
Creativity
Rate how creative and open your thinking felt from 1 to 10
Meeting Quality
Rate the productivity and connection of each meeting
Step Count
Track daily steps and see how walk meetings add up
Tips For Success
Start with your easiest meeting
Choose a casual one-on-one or a phone call for your first walk. Save complex agenda items for later in the week once you are comfortable.
Keep a comfortable pace
This is not exercise -- it is conversation with movement. Walk at a pace that allows easy talking. If either person is out of breath, slow down.
Dress for it
Wear comfortable shoes on walking-meeting days. If weather is unpredictable, have a backup indoor route planned so you do not cancel.
Notice the difference in conversation quality
Walking side by side removes the pressure of eye contact and often leads to more honest, relaxed exchanges. Pay attention to how the dynamic shifts.