Minute With Mallon: Want Better Ideas? Take a Walk!

Welcome to Minute with Mallon!

Something I Taught:

Last weekend, four of us took a 5.5-mile hike on a trail called Raven Cliffs up in the mountains. We were beside streams and waterfalls the whole way, it was just absolutely beautiful!

Although we were talking some, I noticed that both my physical and mental states were enhanced.

It reminded me of something that I’ve talked to clients about for years.

When you need to be creative in your thinking, take a walk outdoors.

Walking has been shown to boost creativity, and walking outside can amplify that effect even more.

Here’s what the research says:

Walking Improves Divergent Thinking 🧠

A 2014 Stanford study found that walking (especially at a relaxed pace) increases divergent thinking—the ability to generate creative ideas. Participants came up with significantly more creative responses when walking compared to sitting down.

Creativity increased by about 60% while walking indoors, and even more when walking outdoors.

Nature Adds Another Layer 🌳

Walking outside adds visual stimulation, reduces mental fatigue, and lowers stress—freeing up your brain to think more creatively. Nature triggers the brain's default mode network, which is responsible for imagination, insight, and reflection.

Movement Stimulates the Brain

Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, improving overall cognitive function. Even short walks (5–10 minutes) can create a noticeable mental shift. 

Key Takeaway:

●  Walking boosts creativity.

●  Walking outside boosts it even more.

●  Use walking as a tool for brainstorming, problem-solving, or unblocking a stuck idea.

🔥 Take Action: Set Aside One Walk This Week 🚶🏽

This week, block out 20–30 minutes for a walk—no agenda, no phone. Just you, moving and breathing. Use that time to let your mind wander… maybe around a decision you’ve been wrestling with or a creative idea that’s felt stuck. You might be surprised what gets unlocked.

Something to Ponder:

No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity.  For he is not permitted to prove himself. 

Seneca

Something I Learned:

I was recently on a company board meeting call.  One of the board members (and a great friend!) named Mac said this during the call:

"Anytime I'm talking about money with one of my employees I always say this: 

"I'm going to be generous, if you're going to be reasonable."  

This creates such a positive tone! 

By leading with “I’m going to be generous,” your friend is signaling goodwill. This immediately creates a sense of safety, trust, and collaboration in the conversation. It shows the employee that he’s for them—not trying to squeeze or manipulate.

And it also implies that there is mutual responsibility.  

“If you’re going to be reasonable” is a kind and direct way of saying, “Let’s both show up with maturity.” I’m happy to be generous—but I also want this to feel fair on both sides. It keeps the tone respectful, while quietly setting boundaries around unrealistic expectations—without ever sounding harsh or defensive.

Feel free to make this part of your own approach—it's a simple phrase that helps set mutual respect and clarity in money conversations.

Something I Saw:

Raven Cliffs Trail

Forward this to someone who needs it: RobertMallon.com/Newsletter

Hope you have an incredible week! 

Robert