Pace and Process
This blog was almost named “Pace and Process”.
In January 2026, after weeks of deliberation, I landed on “Build and Walk” because it has much more of a deeper meaning for me, but “Pace and Process” is still a very important part of my life. In fact, I actually made the final decision to call this blog Build and Walk after much pacing and processing to arrive at that name.
“Pace and Process” is the method for how I manage stress throughout my day. It means exactly what you think it means - I pace back and forth while mentally processing whatever I am currently struggling with.
Sometimes Pace and Process looks like me going for a long walk to think through a strategic business problem.
Sometimes Pace and Process is me literally pacing back and forth in my office or around our kitchen while I am working up the nerve to make a challenging phone call.
Sometimes Pace and Process looks like me going for a 10- to 15-minute slow, methodical walk around our yard to just soak in the beauty and enjoy the sun on my face.
Oftentimes Pace and Process looks like me going for a ruck to manage my stress and anxiety about whatever challenge has risen to the top in my life.
Pace and Process looks like me going for a short walk at the end of my workday to help me make the mental transition between work mode and family time.
Pace and Process is what I use to help me declutter my mental energy.
It can be short or it can be long. You decide what you need in the moment.
Sure, you might get some odd looks from your family for making laps around your kitchen for 30 minutes. But, if that helps you manage your stress and process complex emotions, it is infinitely better than reaching for sugar, alcohol, tobacco or some other vice.
My wife laughs at me sometimes, but she knows how much my pacing helps me, so she doesn’t give me too many funny looks.
I tend to do my best thinking while walking and am never sorry I took the time to pace and process.
Give it a try. It just might change your life.