I love looking back, forward, and all around. I find that the many perspectives life holds all have merit if used well. While looking back holds both lessons and wisdom for the day and the future, sometimes it's best to put the past behind you so you can focus on the present with full energy.
This occurred to me recently as I approach goals that demand most of me leaving less time to look back right now. There's been lots of analysis about the goods and not-so-goods of the past, and clearly it is time to bring that knowledge forward to empower present work and goals.