There's a misperception among some that simple is stupid. I feel the reverse is often true.
Both the only thing we can do in the face of unbelievable tragedy, and the only way to undertake the most eagerly anticipated venture, putting one foot in front of the other is always how to proceed.
Leaping to conclusions is overated, and inadvisable. Doing nothing can be just as bad, however, it is also always what we do before we do anything. For this reason I have often said "Don't just do something, sit there.", as before we begin we must have decided on a direction towards which we systematically proceed, by one step, followed by the next.
"Be always sure you are right, then go ahead." -Davy Crockett. As you point out, being sure you are right is not easy, and I also reckon it is proof you are wrong, but it is the only gauge we have of how to proceed. It is the right way to move, as long as we continue to question, so that, if we ARE wrong, we find that out, and can then change our minds and become right.
"Walk a little. Look a lot." This enables us to consider whether we are proceeding in the right direction. "Look near, then far." We can better see what is closest to us, but only if we examine it. "Hunt up - drag down." In every endeavor, good planning eases the work.
The lack of good mentors is amongst the worst causes of bad outcomes in the world today. You were fortunate to have the benefit of such good advice as a young man, and despite it not being immediately apparent, the seed planted in you grew until you could recognize the value of it's fruit.
Thanks for sharing this insight into how one can begin to become a marathon runner, or to achieve any good, but difficult task, by the process of first considering what to do, then to take each step to achieving it, one after another.
There is no other way to do anything worth doing.
Love this, @valued-customer. Thanks for takin the time to comment.