The conference room has fallen silent. Your colleague just said something—and you feel attacked. Everyone is looking at you. This might be the most important moment of your day. And you have three seconds.

“I can’t learn that at my age.” “I’m just not a numbers person.” “I’m more of a visual learner.” Many people know these phrases. They sound familiar. Sometimes even reassuring—a kind of peace with oneself. Except: they’re usually not true.