Making Peace with “I Should Have Known”: The Hindsight Trap

Hindsight bias, often referred to as the "I-knew-it-all-along" effect, is a common cognitive distortion where we believe we predicted an event after it has already happened. In counselling, this bias can affect how we interpret past decisions and experiences, leading to self-criticism or regret. Recognizing hindsight bias can foster self-compassion and help us approach the past with curiosity instead of judgment. By understanding this bias, we gain insight into how our minds work and can focus on personal growth rather than getting stuck in past mistakes.