Does your piano brain think in "tricks" or "shortcuts"? If so, please share!

Hi all,

I'm not sure if this is a thing, but I wouldn't be surprised if some people's brains work this way.

I'm pretty new at jazz, but to explain by way of example:

When I play pop music, and a chart says "Am" or "A-7," I don't play an A-7. I play a C major triad over an A. (C/A). And it works.

I understand why it works, of course. Relative minor, the C major gets the 7th in there because of the G... but I don't think about any of that when I'm playing. I just play C/A, and everything sounds great.

Similarly, if I come across C7alt, sometimes my brain will just say "Great! A major triad over a C shell voicing in the left hand! A/C, comin' right up!" Or, really I'll be thinking "C shell voicing, and then whatever chord is a 3rd lower." (I may be a little off here, since I'm not sitting at the piano at the moment)

Edit: I thought of another one. At least as a beginning player, I find that I think of "tritone substitutions" as "just a half step above the I chord." At least if I'm going from a V7 to a I.

Is this confusing, or does this kind of thinking resonate with anyone? I would love to hear your "shortcuts" for how your brain translates things.

Thanks in advance for any responses!