Tuesday, January 21, 2025

It’s Tuesday, so let’s talk about Monday morning quarterbacking—it’s practically a national pastime. We’ve all been there, rehashing the details of what went wrong or what could have gone better with the perfect clarity hindsight affords. It’s human nature to connect the dots once the outcome is known, and with that clarity, we often wonder why the right decision didn’t seem so obvious in the moment.

The truth is, recognizing missed opportunities is always easier after the fact. The variables that seemed complex and uncertain when we were in the middle of the situation often feel trivial in retrospect. It’s like watching a football game replay—the gaps in defense are glaring, the missed throws painfully apparent. But in real-time, decisions are made under pressure, with incomplete information, and against the backdrop of a ticking clock.

Why do we do this? Monday morning quarterbacking serves a dual purpose: it’s both a coping mechanism and a learning tool. On one hand, dissecting past decisions allows us to process disappointment and rationalize what happened. On the other hand, it helps us prepare for the next time we’re faced with a similar challenge. When done constructively, this reflection can fuel growth and sharpen our decision-making skills.

The key, though, is to keep it constructive. It’s tempting to wallow in regret or blame—blame ourselves, others, or circumstances. But that’s a dead end. The more valuable approach is to focus on what the experience taught us. What were the signals we missed? How could we have been better prepared? What systems or habits can we put in place to make better calls in the future?

This practice is particularly relevant in industries where the stakes are high, such as real estate, finance, or entrepreneurship. Decisions are often made under tight deadlines with far-reaching consequences. Reflecting on those decisions with the benefit of hindsight is not about assigning fault—it’s about refining our strategies and processes to build resilience.

For instance, in real estate transactions, unexpected hurdles—a deal falling through, a misjudgment in market trends—are part of the job. It’s easy to replay the “what ifs” and second-guess the choices that were made. But by analyzing these situations, professionals can identify patterns and improve their ability to navigate future challenges.

So, the next time you catch yourself Monday morning quarterbacking, remember that it’s not inherently a bad thing. Allow yourself the space to reflect, but resist the urge to dwell. Use the experience to hone your instincts and prepare for the next game—because there’s always another one waiting just around the corner.

Until Next Time,

Mary Schuster
Chief Knowledge Officer
October Research, LLC