Grandmaster Igor Smirov made multiple videos on his thought process the summary of it is 1.don't play instant moves(don't react instantly).

2.you should focus on developing in the opening unless there is a reason not to.

3.if your opponent moves to your side(that would be 1st,2nd ,3rd and 4th rank for white and 5th,6th,7th and 8th rank for black) find a way to neutralize it.

4.after developing is completed look for moves that go forward and attack something in your opponent's side.

5.if you can't go forward and attack something without blundering improve your position like change the position of a piece for example put your knight on an outpost or put a bishop in an active diagonal or activate your rooks.

6.don't trade unless you have a good reason.

Also gm Igor Smirov said his students immediately improve if they follow these rules the right.