Some people think the past is not important for us to overcome problems we face. However, in my opinion, the past helps us to get through hard times in many ways.
To begin with, we are able to figure out solutions from what we have encountered before. The experiences always let people do things easily. For example, I got in fight with my friend last year, and that gave me idea about how to fix things. There were always disappointment toward each other since we lived in the same room. She would always leave her stuff everywhere and not clean it. On the other hand, she did not like me that I did not wake up to work out with her since I promised to do it. Eventually, we ended up yelling at each other about what we have done. I did not know what to do, but she started a conversation to make a neutral point. That taught me how to talk to work things out. I am living with a different girl this year, but there is not any significant argument since we every time we are not happy with something.
On top of that, being able to overcome the past will make you stronger. Some people stay in the past regretting what they have done. This does not affect them in positive way at all. For instance, my brother once failed on his exam. He kept crying because it was the biggest one in that year. I told him the exam is not everything; he has already learned that time management is important, so he should work on it next time. That had him find a new method like getting a stopwatch to watch his time.
To sum up with, being able to solve problems is important, and how you are doing it is much more important. The past might bring you a difficult time, but also be a helpful teacher for life. In this regard, I think understanding the past is significant to being able to break through the distractions toward us.