Seeing backwards

In certain situations I feel that looking backwards can be a benefit; I don't mean dwelling on the past though, I mean learning from it, and that doesn't even have to be our own past because we're able to learn from other's experiences as well. Not only do I think it's a good thing to do, I think it's one of the best ways to understand what directions we may need to take as far as our thoughts, attitudes and actions are concerned.

Don't look back, you're not going that way

A fair comment and certainly it's relevant in some situations but, like I say above, understanding and learning from the past can be of great benefit when determining the future; furthermore, looking in the mirror, I mean self evaluation has merit too.

I'm interested to hear if any of y'all have looked back upon past situations, events and outcomes and learned something that has helped you create better outcomes in the future, and present as well I suppose.

Do you feel that reflecting on the past and moving forward with better understandings and decisions that information and experience can bring works for you? How have you turned it to your advantage and have you ever found yourself failing to make the appropriate changes and suffering for it?

If you have some comments please share them below.