look past the tip of (one's) nose

Typically used in negative constructions in both usages.

1. To be able to foresee problems, issues, or obligations beyond the present or immediate future. Our boss is ambitious, but she has trouble looking past the tip of her nose when it comes to scheduling projects with realistic deadlines. When I was younger, I could never look past the tip of my nose—planning for the future just didn't interest me.

2. To be able to notice or focus on anything beside oneself. Jim is too concerned about getting ahead in business. We need a manager who's able to look past the tip of his nose to do what's in the best interest of the company. Elizabeth is so worried about how this situation will affect her that she can't look past the tip of her nose anymore.