Finding the best move is more than just evaluating the checks, captures, threats, pins and piece improvements you might have in a position.
If you want to be better than most people, this is what you ought to ask yourself:
You answer this question by evaluating his possible checks, captures, threats, pins etc.
Then you proceed to counteract his plan, if there is any. This is usually by defending, moving out of the way, or posing an equal or stronger threat to him.
It is only after you have considered your opponent’s plan/s that you begin to ponder your own plan. Your plan would of course be guided by the criteria of finding the best move .
Are you planning to play another Rapid or Blitz game? If yes, take this quick quiz first to remind yourself how you should think in a chess game 🙂
Note: Don’t be discouraged when you don’t manage to exercise all of these ideas in the game, habitualizing good practices takes time.