Wow, this is a really good thread. Looking forward to reading some replies.

My thought process is pretty bad, I am the same as you where if I thought clearly before playing my hand I would find myself in much easier spots.

1. I always look at the previous action when it comes to me
2. Who specifically has done what & their playing styles. Any patterns I have noticed in their play
3. My relative hand strength and my position

Very basic I know but like I said, I do struggle.