I cook a lot. This not how I read a recipe.

I watch two things: - what task can be parallelized ? (got to boil some water? cook onions ? then begin with these, they take time) - what techniques are used ? Most recipes are based on techniques but most of the recipes just don't tell it to you.When you know the techniques, then you can usually cut the recipes in steps that are easier to control. Example "add flour to the pan, then continue cooking". This is called "singer" in french and it's meant to thicken a sauce. Knowing that, you know you have to make sure the flour must mix the fat in your pan and you have to let it cook a bit before adding liquid.

When you know time and techniques, most recipes become very easy to understand and you know what will make them a success...