Day #29: Back to the Basics Part II
ADEPT Check-In

Welcome to Day 29 of the 30-Day Say It Skillfully Challenge! Like yesterday, today is about revisiting your communication toolkit, not as concepts, but as real skills you can choose in real time. The ADEPT skills:
Be an Advocate, so you help others speak up
Be Diverse, to embrace difference
Be Empathetic, so you walk in others' shoes (and includes: Be Curious to seek to understand | Be Clear to confirm what others hear | Be Love to put people first)
Be Present, to lead yourself first 
Be Transparent, and show vulnerability

Being ADEPT isn't about using every tool in every conversation. It's about building range. When you have range, you're not stuck with one communication style. You can advocate when something needs to be said, broaden perspectives when the room gets narrow, bring empathy when emotions rise, stay present when stress creeps in, and be transparent when trust depends on what's real. The point is choice, so your communication becomes intentional, not accidental.  

Today's Challenge: In your journal, or as a mental note, reflect on your application of the ADEPT toolkit. 
Answer:
1. Which ADEPT skill is most natural for me right now? (What do I already do well?)
2. Which skill do I avoid or underuse–and why? (What fear or habit pulls me away from it?) 
Then, pick one "stretch skill" and write one sentence you'll practice using today. For example: 

Advocate: "I want to make sure we don't miss ___."
Diverse: "What's a perspective we haven't heard yet?"
Empathetic: "Help me understand what matters most to you here."
Present: "Let me pause for a moment. I want to respond thoughtfully."
Transparent: "Here's what I know, here's what I don't, and here's what I suggest."

What happened when you practiced the skill you normally avoid? Did you feel more capable, even if it felt unnatural or uncomfortable?

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!