Walk Like You Mean It

Confidence is a curious thing. It’s not just a feeling — it’s a presence, an energy that others sense, often before you even speak. One of the simplest ways to build that presence comes from a tip I picked up from David Schwartz’s classic book The Magic of Thinking Big: walk 25% faster, with your head up and shoulders back.

It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference. When you walk with purpose, you send a message — not just to the world, but to yourself. You project confidence and begin to feel it internally. My wife instinctively does this when she’s out without me, teaching our daughters to do the same. Not only does it boost confidence, but it also makes her appear less like a target to potential predators. That purposeful stride signals strength, awareness, and determination.

Recently, I shared this idea with a client. A week later, I happened to see him walking outdoors. His stride was different — brisk, focused, shoulders back. When we met again, I said, “You can cross that off your list — I saw you walking, and you’re already doing it.”

He laughed, but it hit home: people notice how you carry yourself. Walking slowly, head down, and shoulders slumped makes you seem aimless, even disengaged. On the other hand, walking with intention signals that you’re going somewhere — literally and metaphorically.

The beauty of this simple shift is that it creates a ripple effect. When I started walking faster with better posture, something remarkable happened: I began to feel more capable, more intentional. That one small action led to other confidence-building behaviors. It was like stepping into a new identity, one small step at a time.

Building confidence is a journey with many layers, but sometimes the easiest way to start is by changing the way you move through the world. So today, try it. Pick up the pace, lift your head, square your shoulders, and walk like you mean it. You might be surprised how far that single step can take you.

Remember: the way you show up matters — not just to others but to yourself.