Lawyers go astray. Fresh rookies, seasoned veterans—none are immune. At times, we know better, yet we press onward. But often, our failings resemble more of a Shakespearean tragedy—driven by human nature—than by willful, consciously performed misdeeds. Understanding human nature empowers us, enabling the exercise of our free will to trump our default settings. Here, then, are five aspects of human nature to know and to apply towards a more ethical practice.

Aspect No. 1: A Saint, You Ain’t

We all believe we are better than reality allows. What do you see in your morning mirror? I’ll go first. A younger man, better looking, way smarter. Know what? This type of self-deception isn’t such a bad thing, is it? In fact, it’s a positive. Without it, progress is never made—romantic relationships never attempted, aspired-to positions never awarded, imagined books never published. The exception? Ethics.