Recently, I had a phenomenal dinner with the wine club I belong to. The wines were carefully matched to each course. I cannot express how much fun it is to be part of this group. Each time we meet, I am exposed to new wines and information. It's so enjoyable to go to an evening where I know that I learn something new.

All too often, we put up our own barriers to learning by assuming that we know the answers or, worse, acting like we do to avoid potential embarrassment. Enjoyment occurs when we are open to the input of others, especially those more knowledgeable on a subject. This approach allows us to ask questions we might not normally ask and risk making comments that may be wrong without fear of embarrassment.

It makes me think back to when I was a kid and didn't care about what I did or didn't know. As adults and dental professionals, we often take pains to disguise the fact that we may not be experts on a particular subject. My advice—enjoy learning from experts who know more than we do.

These days, we are so inundated with information that we tend to filter much of it out. It's easy to forget that some things simply cannot be ignored.

At my annual physical, my doctor explained to me the results from my blood test. There were more numbers and detailed information than ever before. It looks at all types of cholesterol, including high density, low density, small particle, large particle, etc. While I don't pretend to fully understand the details of each nuance, I quickly scan the sheets to see if there was anything out of the normal range (thankfully there wasn't).

Whether it's blood test results, business targets, the Dow Jones Index, or grades in school, numbers reveal much. They help us communicate better, show where we are and allow us to set key goals for improved performance. Whenever you can apply a number or derive a number as part of an analysis, it can be tremendously illuminating.

When was the last time you sat by yourself, perfectly still and not thinking about anything for 30 minutes? Heck, when's the last time you did that for two minutes?

We are so bombarded with information and stimulation that most of us are mentally active almost all the time. If we're not working, we're watching TV, going online or otherwise occupying our minds.

When does the brain get to rest? Not when we're asleep, apparently. Scientists tell us that brainwave activity continues unabated through the night. We have plenty of ways to relax our bodies, but how about our overstimulated brains?

One activity that really seems to help is showering.

How many times have you heard about someone coming up with a great idea in the shower? I think that happens because, after you've finished with the soap and shampoo, your brain is relaxing. As you stand there rinsing, the brain has a few moments of blissful rest... and then the ideas begin to flow.

We can all benefit from turning off our brains once in a while. That could mean getting lost in an everyday activity, like showering or some menial task. Or learning meditation. Or just getting away from all the stimuli, breathing deeply and letting your mind drift aimlessly for a few minutes. Find whatever works for you and I think your mental powers will grow exponentially.

Sometimes we can't see what's right in front of us.

When I got in my car one morning not long ago, I was surprised to see that the windshield was covered with frost. It was just heavy enough to make me wonder if I could drive safely. Should I just drive off with the defroster cranked up and wipers going, hoping to be able to see the road well enough... or should I get back out of the car and scrape?

Even though it would mean taking more time—and I confess I can be somewhat impatient about getting where I'm going—I decided to scrape off the frost. As I drove off to work a few minutes later, I had a perfectly clear view... and a new way to think about an important principle.

The frost-covered windshield provides an excellent analogy for how we often live our lives. We often have trouble seeing what's ahead. We lack the information and insight needed to know which way to turn, or how to reach our destination. Sometimes we just speed off anyway because we're in a hurry.

But if you want to reach a goal, you need to be able to see where you're going. That means reading books, taking courses, asking experts for advice. Take the time to perfect your vision and you'll actually get there sooner.