Assessment, Assembly, Action.
Whatever your task, you do three things. Start by assessing what you already have and what you'll face, the problem. Then you plan with those variables in mind. Take what you have, get what you need, assemble things, people. Finally, you take action. Simple.

Bullets don't distinguish between tough and weak.

He quenches his thirst at the watering hole. While waiting for your arrival, he takes shelter in the shade of the cherry blossoms. The fox is cautious. It shall emerge when it is sure that the water was not poisoned.

Be alone with my thoughts? Near on unachievable these days.

V: What is the sound of one hand clapping?
Zen Master: That depends - is someone clapping with you?