I Should Have Seen This Coming...

Ever find yourself blindsided by something you should have anticipated? Your first thought might be, “How could I miss something so obvious?” Whether it’s a businessperson overlooking workplace dynamics, athletes failing to anticipate their opponent’s strategy, or a parent missing behavioral changes in a child, sometimes the obvious seems elusive. Often, our health suffers because we ignore the early signs of fatigue and stress until it escalates, or our relationships deteriorate unnoticed when small unresolved arguments quietly stack up. Most of us have wrestled with many examples like this, missing the clues that pop up along the way. Ultimately, we acknowledge, “I should have seen this coming.”   

The reasons we miss the obvious are plentiful. We are too busy to notice the subtle shifts in our surroundings. Biases close our eyes to potential risks as we see only what aligns with our beliefs. In a world dominated by scrolling and screens, it’s easy to overlook what’s right in front of us. Frequently, we choose the path of least resistance, convincing ourselves everything is fine and avoiding the discomfort of admitting a problem exists.

No magic formula will prevent missing the obvious, although reverting to these basics should curb many of them in the future.

• Slow down and start paying attention to small shifts in behavior, emotions, or circumstances. Look for indicators that could trigger more significant problems down the road.

• Listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t look or feel right, it probably isn’t right. Pause. Take time to assess your environment and relationships with an eye on the likelihood that alternatives might catch you off guard.

• Keep an open mind. Surround yourself with mentors or friends who offer sound advice and spiritual counsel. Understand the perspective from the other side and be willing to consider other possibilities. As the Proverb writer penned, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.”

• Take care of yourself. Take time for regular walks, a quiet moment in prayer, or enjoy a simple breath of fresh air to reset your focus.

Nobody is exempt from missing obvious clues. The next time life throws you a curveball, know it creates an opportunity to learn, grow, and excel. We may not always see life’s twists and turns, but our faith and support system are key to seeing more clearly the next time.

What minor signs in your work, relationships, or faith could you act on today to make a difference tomorrow?

Join my email list and invite your friends to receive these weekly blogs by signing up at www.bobbykocol.com/blog.