Thank you Polyvios and JCML!
So its more of thinking about the essence of the pose itself, rather than just seeing it for what it is and getting tunnel visioned on each of the parts of the body. Like thinking along the lines of: what's the story of the action, how can I show the attitude/personality of the person using that action, where is the force being exerted, things like that.
I'll apply the things that you guys said and ask again for critique in the future. Thanks again!