It’s always good to find direct connections between proactive actions and desired benefits. For example, we recently discussed how researchers discovered a connection between smiling and having greater influence. Do more of these connections exist? Absolutely. In a post from the archive, Dave Mashburn revealed a way to experience a creative breakthrough when you’re stuck. A long suspected, but now proven, link between walking and increased creativity has been made. Researchers at Stanford University conducted studies showing creativity increased about 60% (based on standard creativity tests) when research participants walked on treadmills. Also, the creativity boost was not just limited to the period of active walking. It lingered for a short time after the walk as well. How long do you need to walk to produce the creativity effect? About 8 minutes. Increasing performance, overcoming obstacles, and reaching your goals often feels like a mystery. Taking a walk may be the easiest and most productive way to find clarity in your struggle.