What I learned on the 12 hour walk

I decided to finish off the first part of 2026 will a challenge based on Colin O’Brady book, The 12 Hour Walk (Books)

Yesterday, I completed the 12-Hour Walk.

It wasn’t just about walking—it was about slowing down, paying attention, and learning.

One thing that really stood out was how different I felt depending on where I was walking. The first five hours were through the forest, and I found myself much more present—listening to the birds, noticing the trees, and simply being in the moment.

Later, as I moved into more urban areas, I could feel how much easier it was for my attention to be pulled in different directions. So after 12hours and 26minutes, 62.28km and 75,996 steps

Here are the biggest insights I took away:

1. Inspiration starts the journey.
   A single idea, conversation, or moment can spark something meaningful. But inspiration alone isn’t enough.

• Have a plan.
  You don’t need every detail figured out. You just need a direction. A simple plan gives your energy somewhere to go.

• Take action.
  Nothing changes until you move. The first step is usually the hardest, but every step after that becomes a little easier.

• Life is one step forward, repeated.
  Even when it’s hard. Even when you’re tired. Progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about continuing to take the next step.

5. Stay focused.
There will always be distractions and reasons to drift left or right. You don’t have to change your destination every time something pulls at your attention. Keep moving toward what matters.

The walk reminded me that success isn’t usually about doing something extraordinary. It’s about being present, getting inspired, making a plan, taking action, and then continuing to put one foot in front of the other.

One step. One decision. One day at a time.

What’s one step you’re taking today?