Summary
After something happens, saying “it was obvious” is easy. Once the outcome is known, the brain reorganizes past signals and erases uncertainty. The result paints the past.
After a game, you say “that pass was obvious.” But during the match, the same moment is far more uncertain.
The brain loves meaning and ties scattered clues into one story. Once you know the outcome, the story looks cleaner.
A surprising detail: this can amplify regret. Past options seem ‘clearer,’ and you judge yourself harder.
The fix is not punishing the past with today’s eyes: recall what you knew and felt then. It boosts learning—and self-compassion.
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