The best time to ponder what to do is not when in the midst of the action.   Urgency can impact the quality of decisions.  Determining what to do in a calm and reasoned way is more likely to be successful.

While it is not always possible, figuring out what to do well before you plan to do it is by far more satisfying and more importantly less stressful.

It’s a Pattern

The first question should not be what to to do but rather about the objectives.  This does not have to be specific or detailed but rather directional, where are you going?

It is a simplistic thought, but if you don’t know where you are going you have no way of knowing when you have arrived.  Put another way it is critical to understand what done looks like.

So the pattern to follow is to first set set the direction then ask what should I do?  The question is taken in the context of where you are and where you are going.

React to Circumstance

Of course in reality the unexpected can occur at any time so you don’t want to be locked into a firm course based on where you are going.  You do need to be ready to adjust and ask  what should I do now?

The principle of what done looks like should be adhered to.  This will enable you to put the unexpected into context and changing course will be less stressful than if based on a complete surprise.