Day #26: Skillfulness Starts with You
Perfect Practice

Welcome to Day 26 of the 30-Day Say It Skillfully Challenge! Today brings things back to the foundation for every communication skill you've practiced so far: self-awareness and observation. How you show up internally shapes everything that follows externally.

Many conversations go sideways not because of what was said, but because of the energy, assumptions, or emotional state we bring into the room without realizing it. 

Today's Challenge Scenario: 

You enter a conversation feeling rushed, irritated, or distracted. Nothing has gone wrong yet, but your internal state is quietly influencing how you listen, interpret, and respond. You're technically "present," but not fully available. 

What do you do?  

Instead of pushing through on autopilot, pause and observe. Try asking yourself: "What's happening in the room (energy, tone, pace)? And what do I need to shift in myself to engage more skillfully?"

Why this works: Self-awareness gives you choice. Observation gives you context. Together, they allow you to respond intentionally rather than reactively. This is the quiet skill beneath every other skill and the one that makes them usable in real time.  

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!