As James Clear, the author of “Atomic Habits” said, “The most effective way to change your habits is to focus not on what you want to achieve, but on who you wish to become.” This quote is significant because it highlights the importance of creating habits that align with the person you want to become, rather than just focusing on the end goal.

I remember the days when I struggled to become physically active after my spine injury. Walking became my first step to recovery. At first, I was barely able to walk for five minutes without pain, but I gradually increased my walking time and started feeling better. Walking became an essential part of my life, and it has helped me maintain my physical fitness levels since then.

Walking is an excellent way to build the habit of being physically active, even if you don’t work out regularly. Here are some reasons why you should walk:

1. Increases daily physical activity levels: Walking is an easy way to increase your daily physical activity levels. Even a short walk can contribute to the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. According to the American Heart Association, regular walking can lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic illnesses.
2. Helps with weight management: Walking is an effective way to burn calories and manage weight. It can help to increase metabolism, decrease body fat, and improve body composition. Regular walking can also help you maintain a healthy weight by burning off extra calories and increasing muscle mass.
3. Reduces the risk of chronic diseases: Walking can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It also helps to control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. According to a study by Harvard Medical School, walking for 2.5 hours per week can reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 30%.
4. Improves mental health: Walking can improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It also promotes feelings of well-being and increases energy levels. Studies have shown that walking can improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, and increase self-esteem.
5. Easy on the joints: Walking is a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. It can be done anywhere, anytime without the need for equipment. Unlike other high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping, walking puts less stress on the joints and can be a great option for people with joint pain or injuries.
6. Promotes creativity and productivity: Walking can also help to boost creativity and productivity. It’s been shown to stimulate the brain, increase blood flow, and improve cognitive function. Many successful people, such as Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, have made walking a part of their daily routine to improve their focus and creativity.

In conclusion, building the habit of becoming physically active is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an easy and accessible way to start building this habit, even if you don’t work out regularly. Remember to focus on the person you want to become, rather than just the end goal, and make walking a part of your daily routine.

If you’re struggling to build habits and achieve your goals, consider my 12-week accountability coaching program. Together, we can develop an action plan to help you progress towards your goals and achieve your full potential.