The other day, at a busy crosswalk, I caught myself doing something odd. The light turned green, and instead of just walking, I quietly timed the people around me. One woman in sneakers cut through the crowd like she knew exactly where she was going in life. A man with a briefcase followed briskly, eyes ahead, steps sharp. Behind them, a small group shuffled along, phones in hand, dragging their feet like the day was already too heavy.
I noticed who dodged obstacles smoothly, who hesitated, who seemed lost.
And that’s when a strange thought hit me.
Maybe the way we walk is saying more about us than we think.
What your walking speed silently reveals about your brain
Behavioral scientists have been studying this for years, quietly tracking how fast people move through streets, corridors, even hospitals. When they plot the data, a clear pattern shows up again and again. People who naturally walk faster than average tend to score higher on cognitive tests and report better life outcomes.
Not Olympic-speed walking. Just that crisp, purposeful pace you notice in people who seem like they have somewhere to be.
It’s not about rushing or being stressed. It’s about how quickly your brain processes the world, then translates decisions into movement.
Researchers at Duke University followed nearly a thousand people from birth to midlife. When those participants turned 45, scientists measured their brain function, biological age, and yes, even their walking speed. The faster walkers didn’t just look fitter. Their brains appeared younger on scans, and they performed better on memory and reasoning tests.
Research conducted in the United Kingdom followed elderly individuals over time and discovered that those who walked at slower speeds faced greater chances of developing health complications and dying sooner. Essentially the body was communicating a subtle alert through walking pace.
What sounds like a random quirk starts to look like a subtle, walking MRI of your life.
# An AI-Run Company: The Findings Say a Lot About Our Future at Work
The idea of artificial intelligence managing an entire company might sound like science fiction. However recent experiments have shown that this concept is closer to reality than many people think. Several organizations have tested what happens when AI systems take control of business operations and decision-making processes. The results from these trials offer important insights into how our workplaces might change in the coming years. One notable experiment involved a company that allowed AI to handle most of its daily operations. The artificial intelligence system managed tasks ranging from customer service to financial planning. It made hiring decisions & determined which projects deserved funding. The AI analyzed data constantly and adjusted strategies based on what it learned. Human employees still worked at the company but they operated under the direction of the AI system rather than human managers. The experiment revealed several advantages of AI management. The system processed information much faster than any human could. It made decisions based on data rather than emotions or personal biases. The AI never got tired or distracted & it maintained consistent performance throughout the day. It identified patterns in business operations that human managers had overlooked for years. These capabilities led to improved efficiency in many areas of the company. However the experiment also exposed significant challenges. Employees reported feeling disconnected from the decision-making process. Many workers struggled to understand why the AI made certain choices because the system could not always explain its reasoning in terms humans found meaningful. Some employees felt their jobs had become less fulfilling when they no longer worked under human leadership. The lack of personal connection made it harder for workers to feel motivated and engaged. The AI system also had trouble handling situations that required creativity or emotional intelligence. When customers had complex problems that fell outside normal parameters the AI often provided technically correct but unsatisfying responses. The system struggled with tasks that required understanding human feelings or cultural context. It could not inspire employees the way a charismatic human leader might. These limitations showed that AI still has significant gaps in its ability to replace human managers completely. The financial results of the experiment were mixed. The company saw improvements in some metrics like operational efficiency and cost reduction. The AI eliminated wasteful spending & optimized resource allocation better than previous human management. However other important measures like employee satisfaction & customer loyalty showed concerning declines. Some clients preferred dealing with human representatives even when the AI provided faster service. The company also experienced higher employee turnover as workers left to find jobs with human leadership. These findings suggest that the future of work will likely involve collaboration between humans and AI rather than complete replacement of human managers. The most successful approach seems to combine the data processing strengths of AI with the emotional intelligence & creativity of human leaders. Companies might use AI to handle routine decisions & data analysis while human managers focus on strategy & people management. The experiment also raised important questions about accountability & ethics. When an AI system makes a decision that harms employees or customers who should be held responsible? The programmers who created the system? The executives who chose to implement it? These questions become more urgent as AI takes on greater responsibility in business operations. Workers will need to adapt to this changing landscape. The skills that matter most in an AI-managed workplace may differ from those valued in traditional companies. Employees might need to focus more on abilities that AI cannot easily replicate such as creative thinking and building relationships. Understanding how to work effectively alongside AI systems will become an essential skill for many professions. The transition to AI-assisted management will not happen overnight. Most companies will adopt these technologies gradually & test them in limited areas before expanding their use. This slower pace gives workers and organizations time to adjust and learn from early experiments. It also allows society to develop appropriate regulations and ethical guidelines for AI in the workplace. The experiment with an AI-run company provides a glimpse into possible futures for work. It shows both the potential benefits and the serious challenges of letting artificial intelligence manage business operations. The results suggest that the most effective workplaces of the future will find ways to combine the strengths of both human and artificial intelligence rather than relying exclusively on either one.
# People rarely discuss lasagna gardening even though it stands as one of the best methods to enrich soil before spring arrives
Most gardeners focus on traditional composting or tilling when preparing their beds for the growing season. However lasagna gardening offers a simpler approach that requires less physical effort while delivering outstanding results. This method involves layering organic materials directly on top of your garden bed much like assembling the layers of an actual lasagna. The process begins in fall or early winter which gives the materials plenty of time to break down naturally. You start by placing cardboard or several sheets of newspaper directly on the ground to smother existing weeds and grass. This bottom layer creates a barrier that prevents unwanted plants from growing through while still allowing water and beneficial organisms to pass. Next you alternate between brown materials and green materials. Brown layers include dried leaves, shredded newspaper straw or small twigs. These carbon-rich materials provide structure and help with drainage. Green layers consist of grass clippings, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds or fresh plant trimmings. These nitrogen-rich materials speed up decomposition and add essential nutrients. Each layer should measure about two to four inches thick. You continue stacking these alternating layers until the pile reaches roughly two feet in height. The pile will shrink considerably as everything decomposes so starting with a substantial height ensures you end up with enough enriched soil. The beauty of lasagna gardening lies in its simplicity. You never need to dig or turn the soil. The layers break down on their own through natural decomposition. Worms & beneficial microorganisms move into the pile and do all the work for you. By spring the layers transform into rich crumbly soil that plants absolutely love. This method works particularly well for new garden beds or areas with poor soil quality. It also helps gardeners make use of fall yard waste instead of bagging it for disposal. The finished bed retains moisture better than regular soil and provides a steady release of nutrients throughout the growing season. Starting a lasagna garden now means your beds will be perfectly ready when planting time arrives in spring.
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# Plants That Grow in Shade and Help Keep Mosquitoes Away
Some plants do well in areas where sunlight is limited. These same plants can also help reduce mosquito problems around your home. They offer a practical solution for shady spots in your yard or garden. Certain varieties thrive without direct sun exposure. They grow successfully under trees or on the north side of buildings. Many of these shade-loving plants produce scents that mosquitoes find unpleasant. This natural repellent quality makes them useful additions to outdoor spaces. Hostas are popular shade plants that mosquitoes tend to avoid. Their large leaves create dense coverage in dark corners. Lemon balm grows well in partial shade and releases a citrus scent that deters insects. Catnip is another option that flourishes without much sunlight while keeping mosquitoes at a distance. Lavender can tolerate some shade and produces aromatic oils that repel various insects. Mint varieties grow aggressively in shaded areas and their strong fragrance discourages mosquitoes from settling nearby. These plants require minimal maintenance once established. Ferns add greenery to shaded areas & create an environment that mosquitoes generally avoid. Their dense foliage & preference for drier soil conditions make breeding difficult for these pests. Astilbe produces attractive flowers in shade while naturally discouraging insect activity. Growing these plants in strategic locations creates natural barriers against mosquitoes. Place them near seating areas or entryways where people gather. Combining several varieties increases effectiveness while adding visual interest to shaded spaces. These plants provide dual benefits of beautifying dark areas and reducing mosquito presence naturally. They require less intervention than chemical treatments and work continuously throughout the growing season.
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Why does this happen? Part of the answer lies in something called “processing speed.” That’s the mental ability to take in information, sort it, and respond quickly. A brisk walker is constantly reading the environment, adjusting to people, traffic lights, uneven pavements, dogs on leashes.
That chain from brain to muscles is shorter and snappier. Decisions fire faster. Actions follow without drama.
Over years, this rhythm translates into habits: showing up on time, acting on ideas, not lingering endlessly in doubt. Walking speed becomes a kind of everyday proxy for how swiftly you move through choices, challenges, and chances.
Can you train yourself to “walk like a successful person”?
There’s a simple experiment you can run on yourself this week. The next time you walk somewhere alone – to the shop, to the bus, from the car park to the office – slightly increase your pace. Not to the point of panting, just 10–15% faster than your default.
Lift your chest. Let your arms swing naturally. Eyes up, scanning, not stuck to your phone.
Notice how different the world feels when your body sends the signal that you are going somewhere on purpose. Your steps become more deliberate and your posture shifts slightly forward. The environment around you seems to respond to this change in your internal state. Colors might appear more vivid and sounds become clearer as your senses sharpen with intention. This feeling contrasts sharply with aimless wandering or reluctant movement. When you have a destination in mind your brain activates different neural pathways. Your focus narrows and distractions fade into the background. Even strangers on the street seem to sense your purposeful energy and move aside more readily. The physical sensation itself is distinct. Your muscles engage with more efficiency and your breathing falls into a steady rhythm. There is a subtle tension in your core that propels you forward. This is not the heavy dragging feeling of obligation but rather the light pull of intention. Your mind operates differently too during purposeful movement. Thoughts organize themselves around your objective rather than scattering in random directions. Problems that seemed overwhelming while sitting still often become manageable when you are moving with purpose. The act of physical progression mirrors mental progress. This phenomenon reveals something fundamental about human psychology. We are creatures designed for directed action. Our bodies and minds function optimally when working toward something specific. The simple act of having a destination transforms the experience of movement from mere transportation into something more meaningful. Even the passage of time feels altered. Minutes spent walking with purpose seem shorter than the same duration spent in aimless motion. Your awareness shifts from the discomfort of the journey to anticipation of the arrival. This purposeful state is accessible at any moment. You need only decide on a destination and commit to reaching it.
Most people do not realize how much their body posture and walking speed affect their mental state. When we feel defeated we tend to drag our feet while walking. This slow shuffling movement then makes us feel even more defeated. It creates a negative cycle that keeps repeating itself. The connection between physical movement and emotional state works in both directions. Our mood influences how we carry ourselves and move through space. At the same time the way we position our body and the speed at which we move sends signals back to our brain that reinforce our current emotional state. This feedback loop can work against us when we are already feeling low. Slumped shoulders and a slow gait tell our brain that something is wrong. The brain interprets these physical signals as confirmation of our negative feelings. This interpretation strengthens the original sense of defeat. Breaking this pattern requires awareness of the mind-body connection. Simply recognizing that our physical state influences our mental state gives us a tool for change. We can choose to adjust our posture or pace even when we do not feel like it. Standing straighter or walking with more energy can send different signals to the brain. These new signals may help shift our emotional state in a more positive direction.
You don’t need to reinvent your life overnight. Start with small, intentional walks: to your next meeting, during your lunch break, when you walk the dog. Choose one path in your day and treat it like a tiny training ground.
Let’s be honest: nobody really does this every single day. But if you do it three times a week your baseline pace starts to shift without you forcing it. The key is consistency over intensity. When you practice something regularly your body adapts naturally. You don’t need to push yourself to exhaustion or maintain a perfect streak. Three sessions per week gives your muscles and nervous system enough stimulus to improve while allowing adequate recovery time between workouts. This approach works because it builds sustainable habits. Daily commitments often lead to burnout or injury. Missing one day can derail your motivation entirely. But a three-day-per-week schedule feels manageable. You can fit it around work & family obligations. If you miss a session you simply continue with the next scheduled day. The improvements happen gradually. After a few weeks you notice tasks that once felt challenging now seem easier. Your breathing stays controlled during activities that previously left you winded. This happens because your cardiovascular system has strengthened and your movement patterns have become more efficient. Your baseline pace represents your comfortable default speed. It’s the effort level you can maintain without thinking about it. When this baseline shifts upward you accomplish more with less perceived exertion. Activities that required full concentration become automatic. The beauty of this method is that progress occurs in the background. You’re not constantly monitoring metrics or obsessing over performance. You show up three times weekly and do the work. Weeks later you realize you’ve improved significantly without the mental strain of daily pressure.
One behavioral scientist I talked to explained it in a way that I still remember.
“Your walking speed is one of the few things that shows both how your brain works and how much you’ve decided to engage with the world,” she said. “You can’t fake it for long. But you can nudge it, step by step.”
To turn that into something practical, think of a tiny “walk upgrade” checklist:
- Pick one daily route and commit to a slightly faster pace on that segment only.
- Put your phone away while walking so your brain can actually process the environment.
- Walk with someone who naturally has a brisk pace at least once a week.
- Use your walk to rehearse a decision or idea instead of scrolling.
- Track how you feel after 10 minutes of intentional, quicker walking – energy, clarity, mood.
When slow walking is a signal—and when it’s a choice
There is something important to consider here. Not everyone walks slowly because they are unmotivated or lack intelligence or ambition. Chronic pain & invisible illnesses can affect how someone moves. Depression & exhaustion also change the way people walk. A person who walks slowly is not necessarily someone who thinks slowly or lacks mental sharpness.
We’ve all been there, that moment when your body is simply not matching your plans.
Sometimes the bravest people in the room are the ones moving the most carefully down the street.
Scientists focus on identifying a widespread trend rather than creating a moral hierarchy. When examining large populations they find that people who walk quickly generally show stronger cognitive abilities and more favorable life outcomes. These individuals often secure better employment opportunities and earn higher salaries while also experiencing longer and healthier lives.
On the individual level, context is everything. The same person who walks slowly on a Sunday stroll might move like a bullet through the airport when the flight is closing. The environment, the stakes, the energy of the day all feed into your pace.
*So the question isn’t “Am I doomed if I walk slowly?” but “What does my usual pace say about my current season of life?”*
There’s also culture. In some cities, like New York or Tokyo, a “normal” pace would be considered aggressive elsewhere. In small towns, community and conversation matter more than shaving 30 seconds off a commute.
Still behavioral scientists keep coming back to the same plain truth. People who habitually move with purpose tend to build lives that reflect that purpose.
The feet tell the truth. Through the years they reveal your real character when you are alone. Your feet show patterns that form slowly over time. They demonstrate how you move through life when no one else is around to see you. The way your feet have developed reflects the genuine choices you make in private moments.
**Your walk is not your destiny, but it’s one of the clearest body-language signals your future self is already sending.**
What your own pace might be trying to tell you
So maybe the real invitation here isn’t to obsess over how many seconds it takes you to cross a street. It’s to notice your “default” walk in different areas of your life. How do you move when you head into work, versus when you walk toward a passion project? Does your pace slow near certain people, certain buildings, certain tasks?
That gap is where the story lives.
If walking faster feels more alive, more you, that’s a clue worth listening to. If slowing down feels like relief, that’s a clue too. Somewhere between the power walk and the slow shuffle lies a tempo that matches a life you actually want to live.
| Key point | Detail | Value for the reader |
|---|---|---|
| Walking speed reflects brain processing | Faster walkers often have quicker cognitive processing and younger-looking brains on scans | Helps you see your everyday pace as a subtle signal of mental sharpness |
| You can gently train your pace | Small, regular “brisk segments” in your day shift your default speed over time | Gives you a simple, low-effort way to boost energy and focus |
| Context and health still matter | Slow walking can also signal fatigue, illness, mood, or cultural norms | Protects you from harsh self-judgment and invites a more nuanced self-audit |
FAQ:
- Is walking fast really a sign of being smarter?On large population studies, people who walk faster tend to score higher on cognitive tests, but that doesn’t mean every slow walker is less intelligent. It’s a trend, not a rule for individuals.
- What counts as “fast” walking?Many studies use around 1.2–1.4 meters per second (roughly 4–5 km/h), but in daily life a “fast” walk is simply a pace that feels purposeful and slightly challenging without making you gasp.
- Can I change my walking speed long term?Yes. Regular brisk walking, even in short bursts, can shift your natural pace over weeks and months as your fitness, confidence, and decision speed improve.
- What if health issues keep me from walking fast?Then walking speed is more of a health indicator than a success marker. Focus on whatever movement feels safe and sustainable for your body and talk to a professional if your pace suddenly drops.
- Should I judge people by how fast they walk?No. Walking speed is one clue among many and can be shaped by pain, culture, mood, or context. Use this insight to understand yourself better, not to label strangers on the sidewalk.
