Scene Prompt: Lessons Later...

Premise: 

Sometimes we learn a lesson too late to help us while we're learning it...we have to use it later.

Scene:

Improvise a scene where that premise becomes clear. Characters should struggle with at least three obstacles and vanquish none of them, yet bring the scene to a close with their realizations.

Suggested Obstacles (but you can decide):

Your point of view could be wrong.

You may have created an enemy who will harm you.

Throwing money at a problem may not solve it.