April Challenge: Keep Moving Forward (Literally)

Because when we stop moving, we start dying—let’s walk our way back to life.

April’s challenge? I picked this one more for myself than anyone else.

Last month’s focus on intentional presence was also deeply personal. Coming out of it, I felt more peaceful than I had in a long time. I slowed down while eating (a big win for my gut, since I usually inhale food like it's a sport) and found myself enjoying pockets of silence throughout the day. During this challenge one of the messages Randy Veitenheimer once told me popped up, “You need to stop at some point in the morning and allow the Universe to catch up to you.” That became part of my routine, usually around 10 or 11am. I move fast—intentionally, but fast. So learning to pause was a beautiful recharge.

This month’s challenge is another personal one: walking.

Frankly, I don’t even know even does these challenges—but I do. If you do, I’m right there with you. And if it helps, you can jump into the Mindset Lessons from the Field chat, share your progress, and we can hold each other accountable. I’m working on building a community of people who want to strive for better, together.

Lately, I’ve noticed I sit way more than I’d like to admit. I’m literally standing up while typing this, but my eyes keep glancing at the chair beside me hoping to sit down soon. However, I’ve got two meetings coming up, and I’m trying to resist the temptation to sink into it.

Lately, I’ve started walking first thing in the morning—just a mile when that first light hits the sky—but sometimes I stretch it a little longer. It’s quiet. It’s peaceful. And it wakes up my body and my brain. In the afternoons, I might squeeze in a second walk, but come evening, I’m tapped. I’m in bed by 8PM most nights.

So why walking?

Because when you stop moving, you start dying. That’s what my family would say growing up. We’d walk around NYC, dodging crowds and crossing streets. If the crosswalk hand was up, whoever was leading would yell “fish!”—code for “we’re changing direction to keep moving.” Why “fish”? Because when a fish stops swimming, it dies. Simple as that. We still say it today. Movement is momentum. And I’ve felt mine slowing down.

Sure, I’ve thought about getting a walking pad or under-the-desk treadmill. But what I really want is to be outside—feeling the sun on my skin, watching flowers bloom, breathing fresh air. I want to move more and get outside more. So that’s what this challenge is about.

If that sounds like something you need too, come walk with me—figuratively or literally.

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Why Walking Matters

We’re sitting more than ever. The average American spends over 10 hours a day sitting. That kind of stillness isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous. Too much sitting is linked to everything from poor posture and low energy to increased risk of heart disease, anxiety, and even early death.

The Power of Walking

But walking? Walking is medicine. It’s one of the simplest, most accessible forms of movement we can do—and the benefits are massive:

✅ Boosts mood
✅ Increases energy
✅ Improves digestion
✅ Reduces stress and anxiety
✅ Enhances creativity and focus
✅ Helps regulate sleep
✅ Supports heart and joint health

And when you walk outside, you get even more: natural light on your eyes (which helps regulate your circadian rhythm), vitamin D, and a hit of nature—which is shown to improve mental health.

Photo by Juliane Liebermann on Unsplash

Make It a Family Affair

If you have kids, bring them along! Walking is a great way to get quality time together—whether it’s a post-dinner stroll, a weekend nature walk, or walking to school instead of driving (if you can). Let them set the pace, turn it into a game, or just explore together. It’s low-effort, high-connection time.

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The Challenge

🟩 The April Walking Challenge is simple:
Walk at least 7,000–10,000 steps a day (or about 3–5 miles total).

That could be:

• A morning mile to start the day

• A 10-minute walk after lunch or dinner

• Parking farther away

• Walking meetings or phone calls

• Dance parties or movement breaks with your kids

The goal isn’t perfection. It’s momentum.
It’s about reconnecting with your body, getting outside, and keeping yourself moving forward.

Let’s do this—together.
And hey—if you start slacking, just yell “fish!” and get moving again.

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Are you in? Drop a comment or share in the chat so we can cheer each other on!