Walking the walk

Have you ever seen the way City Goers walk?

They stride very quickly, head down, eyes on the ground (or anywhere that will prevent them from making eye contact of any kind), and plow through anyone and anything in their way to get to their destination as quickly and directly as possible.

Now I don't mean to pick on these people (I WAS one for years!). In fact, there's a REASON why most of us seem to walk the same way. With overwhelming crowds, crime, people begging for money, and solicitors trying to sell them something on every street corner, they don't want to ATTRACT any attention.

However, if you're in a safe, well-lit area and are familiar with your surroundings, I want to encourage you to remember the words "Don't walk like a City Walker."

Try walking this way instead: shoulders back, head up, straight posture, moderate (not fast!) pace, arms swinging slightly. You want your walk to say "I'm confident" and "I'm open to possibilities."

If you're finding it difficult to cultivate a confident walk, try this exercise. (It might sound a little goofy but believe me, it works!

Pick a song with an upbeat theme and a good, moderate beat. This is going to be your theme song. (Can't think of one?

Here are 3 suggestions: "Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae,
"Suddenly I See" by KT Tunstall, or "The Sweet Escape" by Gwen Stefani.)

Load the song on your iPod or pop the CD in your walkman and take it with you for a "practice walk." Walk to the beat (this is subtle- you're not DANCING, you're just getting a good pace to your steps), breathe, enjoy the lyrics, think positive thoughts, and smile. You'll be amazed at how walking to your theme song will give you a boost.

Now the next time you're out and about, I want you to remember how you felt with your theme song. Hear the song in your head and walk as if it's playing. Pay attention to how your face feels. Are you scowling without even meaning to? If so, soften the muscles in your face and allow your mouth to curl up ever so slightly into an almost-smile.

Widen your eyes just a bit so that you appear awake, interested in your surroundings, and excited about the world around you.

Now notice how people who pass you begin to take notice of you. It's subtle, but I guarantee that those who aren't completely lost in their own little worlds will acknowledge you in some way.

Men might even smile back or say hello! (If this doesn't happen right away, don't be discouraged. Just practice this confident walk wherever you go from now on, and you will soon notice a difference.)