I remember a time I was power-walking through a crowded airport. Everyone around me seemed to move in slow motion, and I felt this surge of annoyance.

It wasn’t the most compassionate moment, but it gave me insight into a tendency I’ve seen in others—and occasionally in myself. We live in a fast-paced world, and some of us thrive on speed.

If you find yourself breezing by slow walkers or rolling your eyes when you have to slow down, you might recognize a few of these traits.

I’m about to walk you through seven common characteristics associated with people who move quickly and judge those who don’t. These aren’t absolutes.

They’re observations grounded in psychology, along with personal experience and research from credible sources like the American Psychological Association.

You may see yourself here or recognize someone close to you. Either way, there’s something we can learn about ourselves and how we approach daily life.

1. They have a strong drive for efficiency

The first trait is a nearly obsessive pursuit of efficiency. People who walk quickly often believe every second matters, so they treat slow walking as a roadblock.

It’s not just about getting from point A to point B—it’s wanting to maximize time and productivity. Efficiency can be a good thing, but it can also morph into impatience.

A friend once told me she only realized how much she valued efficiency when she saw how agitated she became strolling behind a tourist group. She said, “I don’t even know why I’m rushing, but it’s like I can’t help it.”

That sense of urgency can boost performance, yet it might also rob us of moments to breathe and simply observe our surroundings.

Sometimes it’s useful to pause and ask: “Does my faster pace actually serve me right now?” We don’t have to abandon our drive for efficiency, but we can channel it more purposefully.

Slowing down on occasion might open our eyes to details we usually miss.

2. They show signs of Type A personality traits

People who rush through crowds often line up with what researchers call a Type A personality—highly competitive, goal-oriented, and occasionally stressed.

According to research from the APA, individuals with these traits tend to have intense ambition and a stronger sense of time urgency. That sense of time urgency is what makes slow walkers feel like a direct threat to their schedule.

The hallmark of Type A is that constant feeling of being behind or that something crucial needs completing. Even when relaxing, Type A personalities can’t fully switch off. They view slow walking as inefficiency.

The downside is that these traits, when unchecked, contribute to stress and burnout. I’ve been there, and I’ve realized that without mindful awareness, we risk staying locked in overdrive.

Staying alert to these patterns helps us find balance. Type A traits can be a strength if we remain self-aware and implement intentional pauses.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that walking a bit slower doesn’t negate my dedication or my work ethic. It just means I’m breathing more fully into the present moment.

3. They experience underlying anxiety

Anxiety can express itself in different ways. Some get quieter. Others get restless.

People who walk fast and silently judge those who lag behind are sometimes trying to manage an uneasy feeling beneath the surface. Constant motion can act like a coping mechanism, preventing them from lingering on uncomfortable thoughts.

I recall reading Eckhart Tolle’s suggestion to become a calm observer of our own discomfort.

He points out that when we stay present with those anxious sensations—without needing to outrun them—we can develop a healthier relationship with our thoughts.

Speeding ahead may provide temporary relief, but in the long run, pausing and acknowledging anxiety often proves more sustainable.

If you catch yourself rushing or feeling annoyed by slower walkers, it might be worth asking if something else is fueling your restlessness. Are you worried about missing a deadline, or is it a deeper fear that you’re not doing enough in life?

Simply naming that anxiety can create a bit of calm in the middle of a frenzied day.

4. They have a tendency to judge themselves harshly

One of the things I’ve noticed in fast walkers is the internal pressure they place on themselves.

High standards can push them forward, but that same mindset often turns into a harsh inner critic. Judging others for walking slowly can be an extension of how they judge themselves for not doing “enough.”

When you constantly measure your progress, it’s easy to look around and think others should move at your pace.

That mindset might seem motivating at first, but it can lead to tunnel vision. People stuck in self-criticism often struggle to celebrate small wins or enjoy simple activities.

There’s a quote by Mark Manson I find relevant: “The desire for more positive experience is itself a negative experience.” If you’re always racing to achieve, you’re never satisfied.

So while a quick pace can reflect drive and ambition, the moment it’s fueled by constant self-judgment or dissatisfaction, the stress starts to outweigh the rewards.

5. They place a high value on personal control

I’ve seen this in myself: the faster I move, the more I feel in control of my environment. If I can steer around a slow walker, it’s like I’m taking charge.

This craving for control can be helpful in organizing tasks, but it can also turn into frustration when others don’t behave the way we expect.

In my yoga practice, I’ve learned that letting go of control starts with letting go of tension in the body. It’s a daily reminder, especially since controlling behaviors can slip into different areas of our life.

We might try to control:

• The route we take (the fastest shortcut)

• The pace everyone else should walk

• The timing of every event

It feels empowering at first, but expecting others to conform to our internal stopwatch usually ends in stress.

Real control comes from managing our own reactions and expectations. Pausing to recognize these impulses can help us step back from needless frustration.

6. They may lack mindfulness in everyday moments

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present. Fast walkers who judge slow walkers can find it tough to stay in the present because their minds race ahead of their feet.

Instead of noticing the breeze or a moment of connection with a passing neighbor, they’re mentally checking off the next item on the to-do list.

According to a study, bringing even small elements of mindfulness into daily routines—like focusing on your breath during a walk—can reduce stress and improve mood.

If you’ve never tried mindful walking, it might feel strange at first. Every few steps, you let your shoulders relax and notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground.

We can ask ourselves: “Am I actually here, or is my mind already onto the next thing?” Fast forward living often means we’re missing out on real-time experiences.

But that’s something we can shift once we become aware of it. It doesn’t take a life overhaul—just a willingness to be present.

7. They show pockets of empathy but can struggle to display it

This final trait might sound contradictory, but many fast walkers who judge slower ones actually have empathetic hearts. They just don’t always show it in the heat of the moment.

There might be a story playing out in their head, like “That person is being inconsiderate,” rather than pausing to think about why someone might be walking slowly.

They might be dealing with fatigue, a recent injury, or even enjoying a leisurely day.

When we zip by with a silent eye roll, we close ourselves off from empathy. Once we realize empathy doesn’t have to slow us down, we can direct our energy toward understanding rather than judging.

Let’s not miss this final point before we wrap up: empathy doesn’t mean carrying everyone else’s baggage. It’s a gentle reminder that there’s always another perspective.

This mindset relieves us of the burden of constant annoyance and fosters a more peaceful approach to our daily interactions.

Final thoughts

These seven traits don’t make anyone a bad person. They highlight patterns that can affect how we experience the world—and how we treat others in it.

If you see yourself in some of these traits, it’s worth exploring practices like mindful breathing, daily meditation, or a slower-paced walk now and then.

There’s power in embracing your drive and ambition while recognizing that calm moments aren’t wasted time.

Personal responsibility means catching ourselves when we spiral into snap judgments or impatience.

With curiosity and a dose of self-compassion, we can lighten our load and move through life with purpose instead of pure speed.