We spend such little time on basics of flight. Once you are flying for a big airline, we seem to forget the little things.
The transition from visual to instrument flight is tough...especially at night...especially over the sea.
I remember quite an article about losing engines in the mighty 757 and the high nose attitude in normal two engine climbing flight. The article had to remind pilots to lower the nose.
We must stay on instruments and be able to transition from visual to instruments as easily as canadian controllers switch between english and french.
We must practice such things, just like we must do physical exercise.
And remember, if you can't avoid thunderstorms, check out the AIM for good advice...including watching your instruments and turning on the cockpit lights to protect from lightning flash.
also, try to know a ''safe'' attitude and power setting...one that you can reliably go to when all else fails...most jets will survive a pitch of 10 degrees up and max power...level wings of course...at least below 20,000feet.