Originally Posted by Mike Brewer

Spend a week being very mindful of your own thoughts, reactions, words, and deeds. Force yourself to talk less and listen more in the next week. Take an interest in those around you - really pay attention to what they say in daily conversation, and emathize with their stories about their lives. Be helpful when you can be helpful, whether it's doing the dishes at home or opening a door for a lady at a restaurant. More, be helpful without expecting thanks or praise for it. Don't do it so people will think of you as polite, or so they'll thank you - do it because it will test your awareness and your comprehension of the world around you. If people say thanks, that's great, but the real victory is in the fact that you're paying enough attention to anticipate and "intercept" people's needs. That will carry over and translate into an ability to anticipate and intercept a person's attacks in fighting as well.