"The Single Greatest Habit You Can Build: The Power of Walking and Failing Like a Scientist"

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Aug 12, 2023
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"The Single Greatest Habit You Can Build: The Power of Walking and Failing Like a Scientist"
There is one tool that has been used with near perfect consistency by history's greatest men and women: the walk. From artists and inventors to entrepreneurs and athletes, they have all understood the immense power of this one, simple tool. Aristotle, the famous philosopher, founded the "Peripatetic" school of philosophy, which translates to "walking" or "given to walking about." He believed that walking stimulated his thoughts and allowed them to flow freely. Steve Jobs, the iconic founder of Apple, also believed in the creative power of walking. In fact, he claimed that his best ideas came to him while he was on a walk.
Recent studies have supported these claims. Stanford researchers found that walkers performed significantly better on tests measuring creative divergent thinking during and after walks. Walking boosted creative thinking by an average of 60%, and the benefits lasted well beyond the walk itself. Additionally, researchers from the University of Hong Kong discovered that walking side-by-side led to deeper feelings of connection, implying that walking meetings may actually create better outcomes.
Walking can take various forms, each with its own benefits. Active walks are 30-60 minutes long and are done at a brisk pace. They can be accompanied by optional technology, such as listening to podcasts or audiobooks. Passive "Tech-Free" walks, on the other hand, are atelic activities, meaning they are done with no goal in mind. These walks are also 30-60 minutes long, but they are done at a slow, leisurely pace with no technology. Morning sunlight walks provide a quick boost of energy and can be as short as 15-20 minutes. Finally, break walks, as discussed in a New York Times article, have a positive impact on overall wellness. Taking short walk breaks throughout the day can improve productivity and well-being.
Now, let's shift our focus to failing like a scientist. The scientific method, known for its rigor, involves formulating a hypothesis, performing an experiment, measuring the results, and refining the hypothesis based on the findings. Scientific experiments are not designed to succeed; they are designed to explore a question and potentially increase knowledge of a problem. To fail like a scientist is to embrace the experimental nature of life. It is about seeing failure as a learning opportunity and having a growth mindset.
When we fail like a scientist, we prioritize progress over success. Instead of blindly following a linear path to a specific goal, we continuously challenge our assumptions and explore different possibilities. This mindset allows us to adapt, learn, and grow. It encourages us to question the status quo and seek innovative solutions.
Replacing imitation with exploration is a key aspect of failing like a scientist. Instead of trying to replicate someone else's success, we focus on discovering our own unique path. We experiment, take risks, and learn from both our successes and failures. By embracing uncertainty and viewing it as a positive sign of growth, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.
To apply these principles in our daily lives, here are three actionable pieces of advice:
- 1. Incorporate regular walks into your routine. Whether it's an active walk, a tech-free walk, or a morning sunlight walk, make time for walking. Use this time to let your thoughts flow, stimulate your creativity, and improve your overall well-being.
- 2. Embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Adopt a growth mindset and see failure as a chance to grow and improve. Challenge your assumptions, experiment with new ideas, and focus on progress rather than success.
- 3. Replace imitation with exploration. Instead of trying to replicate someone else's path to success, focus on discovering your own unique journey. Be open to new possibilities, take risks, and learn from both your successes and failures.
In conclusion, walking and failing like a scientist are two powerful habits that can transform our lives. Walking stimulates our creativity, improves our well-being, and enhances our connections with others. Failing like a scientist allows us to embrace uncertainty, challenge our assumptions, and discover our own unique path to success. By incorporating these habits into our lives and adopting a growth mindset, we can unlock our full potential and create a meaningful and fulfilling life.
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