Life is like a game of chess. . . there are many moves possible, but each move determines your next move. . . where you wind up is the sum total of all your past moves. . . but first you have to make some kind of move.
Okay, this is the wisdom. First, time spent on reconnaissanse is never wasted. Second, almost anything can be improved with the addition of bacon. And finally, there is no problem on Earth that can't be ameliorated by a hot bath and a cup of tea.