learn to listen

In my life, I have observed that I have been gifted with many talents and skills. Life in general, barring my addiction issues, has been fairly easy for me, provided that I keep the correct outlook. Bad stuff happens to everyone (in my case, both parent died when I was 18, picked up a major drug habit, etc.). As long as I have an openmind, a willingness to be helpfull, and the ablilty to not think of myself for a few minutes, life is good.
I go through periods in my life where I chose not to listen to people. I will ask a question, with no intent on listening to what they have to say…as they are speaking, I am thinking of what I would like to say next…I have the ablility to understand and learn from what they are saying, I chose not to at times. I enjoy when I can help someone in any manner (mostly out of self interest…I help you, I have no time to think about me). Some (at times, most) of the time, I am not willing to stop thinking about me for a second and listen…I think when I am able to, life is much better for me.
I would like to put more effort into listen to others.