If your character is already engaged in a fight and you don't select a particular move, then your character will execute a basic attack; if you continue to remain idle, every turn your character will continue using basic attacks. But if you select a special attack/action, say, Force Lightning or Critical Strike, your character will use that move for one turn, then revert back to using basic attacks. This means that if you want to continue using a particular action that is not a basic attack, you have to manually select that move.
Don't put yourself down for pausing before moves. It's very common; even the best players do that. If you're still confused, keep asking. I'll try to help as best as I can.
