People who think they're right all the time and above others are a drain on our time and energy. There's something to be said for humility, which the dictionary defines as "freedom from pride or arrogance." In a world of people jockeying for power and prestige, those who own up to their mistakes and admit that they don't have all the answers are a breath of fresh air. Those who apologize, even when it kills them to do so, command others' respect. Indeed, individuals who try to project perfection are clearly showing they are anything but perfect, because all human beings are fallible. It just makes it that much worse when a person is in full denial about it. We may come across people like this in a variety of places. Maybe it's the know-it-all at work, the cocky weight trainer at the gym, or that immature cousin of ours who never acknowledges fault. Unless one is willing to get off his or her high horse and swallow that pride, they will continua...

People are better at processing information or learning in certain ways than others. Back when I was in high school and college -- and to this day this remains true -- I was more adept at learning something by reading actual text about it (textbooks, handouts, etc.) than by having someone explain it to me verbally. In math class, for example, I usually didn't grasp the class content until I got home, read the chapter, and worked through a few problems on my own. When I tried to follow the teacher's lecture, however, he or she would leave me stumped.  I still struggle at times to quickly comprehend what someone is trying to explain to me, whether it's at work or at home. I think part of the reason for this is that people tend to speak hurriedly. When I'm reading a book, however, I can go at my own pace and digest the information in small doses. Even if I try telling someone to slow down, I've found they'll continue to gabble on. In my case, instruction manu...