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Hey Reader,

This week on a run, I realized I've made a lot of progress on my goal to move more. It wasn't fast or flashy. Just a little more each time. I'm a firm believer that's how most real progress works. Not in leaps, but in small shifts that build on each other. That goes for communication too, and it's what I want you to focus on today.

Let’s jump into our 3 things this week:

#1. From My Inbox: "How do I respectfully express an opposing view without creating tension?"

When you disagree with someone, the instinct is to lead with the disagreement. Don't. Start with where you align: "I'm sharing this because I know you value honesty." That one sentence tells them you're not against them, even if you disagree with their position.

From there, a simple perspective phrase does more work than most people realize. My favorites are "I see it differently" and "I take another approach." Both work because you're naming where you stand (not issuing a challenge).

#2. Say less. Mean More.

This week I want you to remember this: the fewer words you use, the more you actually say. This is a simple trick we use in the courtroom. The longer an answer, the more opportunity there is for miscommunication. Answer their question and only their question. The shorter the answer, the clearer it is. Every time.

#3. Something I’m Currently Loving - My Daughter's Homemade Cookies

My daughter has become something of a cookie legend in our house. Her secret is to melt the butter and use more flour than most recipes call for to make the cookies chewier. She also likes "monster" cookies, so we chill the dough first. Then we take big scoops and roll them into cylinders (she really likes that word because she's learning 3D shapes at school). Here is the recipe she's loving right now from Sally's Baking Addiction. We add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of flour if they look too greasy after mixing.

Thanks for being here,

J