Some things in life can be a bit testing, right?

Like when you’re stuck behind a slow walker, and you’re doing your best not to let it get under your skin. You’ve tried taking deep breaths, focusing on the scenery, heck, even counting to ten in your head.

But no matter what, the slow meandering pace in front of you just grates on your nerves.

It’s not always that intense though.

Sometimes it’s just a subtle annoyance, a small itch at the back of your mind that won’t go away.

Despite all the rational telling-off you give yourself – it’s not a race, they’re probably just enjoying their walk, why should it bother you so much – there’s no escaping that slight irritation.

If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. It turns out that those of us who find slow walkers a bit of a bother often share some common personality traits. And no, it’s not just impatience!

Here’s a look at eight personality traits often found in people who get irritated by slow walkers. 

Anyway, enough from me. Let’s dive right into these personality traits and see if any ring true for you. Just remember – no rushing!

1) Fast-paced thinker

It all starts up there, in the brain.

You know how it goes. You’ve got a million thoughts running through your head at light speed. Ideas, plans, strategies, all whizzing around like electrons in an atom.

It’s not that you’re impatient or can’t slow down. It’s just that your brain is on this superfast highway and it can be hard to slow it down to a crawl.

So when you’re stuck behind someone who’s taking their sweet time to move forward, it feels like a wrench has been thrown into your mental gears. The world around you is moving too slow for your racing mind.

And it’s not just about walking fast or getting to places quickly. It’s about the pace at which you process the world around you, the speed at which you make decisions and act on them.

2) High achiever

Continuing on the same vein, if you’re someone who gets irritated by slow walkers, chances are you’re also a high achiever.

You see, when your brain is racing at a million miles an hour, it’s not just about processing the world faster. It’s also about setting high standards for yourself and relentlessly pursuing them.

I know this because I’ve been there.

I remember working on a project at work that was incredibly important to me. I had set a deadline for myself and was working tirelessly to meet it. I was constantly in a state of motion, both physically and mentally.

One day, on my way to a meeting, I found myself stuck behind a group of tourists leisurely strolling and taking in the sights. I could feel my frustration mounting with every slow step they took.

It wasn’t just about being late for the meeting – it was about them not matching up to the pace and efficiency I demanded of myself.

This trait of being a high achiever can often manifest in this way.

3) Goal-oriented

As the great philosopher Seneca once said, “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable.”

In other words, if you don’t have a clear goal or destination in mind, it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go – you’re just drifting aimlessly.

But that’s not who you are, is it?

If the slow walkers are getting on your nerves, it could be because you’re a goal-oriented person. You have a clear destination in mind and you’re determined to get there as efficiently as possible.

Every moment of delay feels like a hindrance, an obstacle standing in the way of your goals. It’s not about being in a hurry; it’s about being purposeful with your time and energy.

4) Action-oriented

You see a challenge, you tackle it head-on. You see a problem, you’re already thinking of solutions. That’s an action-oriented personality for you.

And guess what? A study conducted by the University of Essex found a correlation between walking speed and action orientation. People who walk faster are more likely to be action-oriented, preferring to take control and get things done rather than wait around.

It’s not about restlessness or an inability to relax. It’s about your natural tendency to be proactive and take control of the situation.

So when you’re stuck behind a slow walker, it’s like being put in a situation where you have no control. And that’s something you’re just not wired to handle well.

But remember, being action-oriented is an asset. It means you’re more likely to take charge, make decisions, and get things done. 

5) Efficiency expert

When your mind is constantly racing, when you’re goal-oriented and action-oriented, it’s only natural that you value efficiency.

You like to get things done in the most effective way possible, with minimum waste of time or resources. It’s not just about getting to your destination quickly, it’s about getting there smartly.

So when you encounter a slow walker, it’s like watching someone inefficiently use their time and space. And your efficiency-loving brain just can’t compute why someone would choose to do that.

It might seem like a minor thing, but it’s deeply tied to your core values of efficiency and effectiveness.

Remember, this trait is a testament to your problem-solving skills and your ability to streamline processes and tasks – something that can be a real asset in many areas of life.

6) Future-oriented

You’re a planner. You think ahead, visualize future outcomes and strategize your actions accordingly. You’re not just living in the present, you’re constantly thinking about the future and how your current actions will impact it.

This future-oriented trait could be another reason why slow walkers irk you. When you’re mentally a few steps ahead, physically being held back can be frustrating.

Imagine this: You’re walking down the street, already planning what you’re going to do when you reach your destination. But then you have to slow down because of someone strolling leisurely in front of you.

Suddenly, your plans are disrupted, your timeline is thrown off balance and it feels like your whole day is derailed.

So, while being future-oriented can sometimes make you impatient with slower-paced people, it also means you’re good at anticipating outcomes and planning for success – a skill that’s invaluable in many aspects of life.

7) Assertive communicator

Being fast-paced, goal-oriented, action-oriented, efficient, and future-focused, it’s not surprising that you are also likely to be an assertive communicator.

Assertive communicators are direct and clear with their thoughts and ideas. They value their time and don’t like to beat around the bush. They express their needs and wants clearly and are not afraid to stand up for themselves.

So, when you encounter a slow walker, it can feel like an interruption in your clear path forward. You know exactly where you’re going and what you want to accomplish, and anything that slows down your progress can feel like a hurdle.

But hey, being an assertive communicator is a great trait to have. It helps you express your thoughts clearly, maintain healthy relationships, and get things done more effectively. 

8) Adaptive

Despite being fast-paced, goal-oriented, efficient, and future-focused, you’re also likely to be highly adaptive. You might not enjoy being stuck behind a slow walker, but you don’t let it throw you off your game.

You adapt, adjust your pace, maybe even use the opportunity to take a breather or observe your surroundings. It’s not ideal, but you make it work.

This trait is perhaps the most important of all because it’s what allows you to navigate the world despite its inconsistencies and unpredictable nature. It’s what keeps you moving forward even when things don’t go as planned.

Yes, slow walkers might be a pet peeve, but they’re also an opportunity for you to exercise your adaptability – a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world.

Embracing the journey

Recognizing these traits is the first step towards understanding yourself better. It’s not about changing who you are or wishing you were different. It’s about embracing your strengths and learning to navigate the world with them.

Slow walkers on the street might be a minor inconvenience, but they’re also a reminder of your unique way of engaging with the world. An opportunity to reflect on your pace, your goals, and your approach to life.

So next time you find yourself stuck behind a slow walker, take a moment. Instead of letting frustration set in, use it as an opportunity to reflect and appreciate your qualities.

After all, as Confucius once said, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”

The journey is yours to define. So embrace your pace – fast or slow – and keep moving forward on your own terms.