Day #16: The Courage to Be Wrong
Top 3 Communication Fears

Welcome to Day 16 of the 30-Day Say It Skillfully Challenge! You now have a clear framework (me-you-we) to guide how conversations unfold, and a powerful toolkit (ADEPT) to help you navigate them skillfully. At this point, let's shift gears to what often keeps us from using our voice. 

Fear plays a quiet but undeniable role in communication. It can show up as hesitation, overthinking, second-guessing, or choosing silence over contribution. When fear is in the driver's seat, even capable, thoughtful people hold back—not because they lack insight but because the perceived risk feels too high. 

One of the most common, and limiting, fears is the fear of being wrong. It convinces us that only if we're certain, polished, or perfectly prepared should we speak. It nudges us to defer, soften, or stay quiet rather than risk offering an idea that might miss the mark. Over time, this fear doesn't just limit participation; it limits learning, progress, and shared understanding. 

Conquering this fear starts with reframing what "wrong" actually means. Being wrong is not a personal failure. It's actually fundamental to success. Being wrong is how we learn the most—the thinking out loud, testing assumptions, and making mistakes is what moves work forward. The most effective communicators don't wait for certainty. They contribute early, invite input, and adjust as new information emerges. They treat communication as a process, not a performance.

Today's Challenge: Notice a moment today when you feel the urge to hold back because you're not fully sure, or you're worried about being wrong. Instead of retreating, take a small risk and contribute anyway.  
Try offering your thought as an exploration rather than a conclusion, like "Here's one way I'm thinking about this, what do you think?" or "I might be missing something, but..."  

Pay attention to what happens next. Does the conversation move forward? Do others build on what you shared? Do you feel more engaged, even if your idea evolves? 

Progress doesn't require perfection. It requires participation. Each time you speak up despite uncertainty, you weaken the grip of fear and strengthen your ability to communicate skillfully when it counts.    

Cheering for you to make the most of this 30-day challenge—whether you're recommitting to a resolution, trying something new, or simply choosing to turn over a fresh leaf this year. One small step today can change how you show up all year long. You've got this!