The power to direct thoughts is the only moral act The only willful choice one has is the quality of attention one gives to a thought at any moment. . .the strain of attention is the fundamental act of will. The effort of attention is thus the essential phenomenon of will.  The function of effort is to keep affirming and adopting a thought that, if left to itself, would slip away. To sustain a representation, to think, is in short, the only moral act.  

To focus attention on one idea, on one possible course of action among the many bubbling up in our consciousness, is precisely what we mean by an act of will. The essential achievement of will is to attend to one object and hold it clear and strong before the mind, letting all others - its rivals for attention and subsequent action - fade away. The effort to focus attention is an active, primary, and causal force, and not solely the result of properties of a stimulus that acts on a passive brain. 

Before every action is a thought. Putting together a positive reaction sequence to a thought is great power. Positive reaction sequences shape lives into greatness. What is your positive reaction sequence when you face a negative situation, a trigger, a personal dilemma? If the action is created before the event, your subconscious kicks in to give you the additional strength you need.

Gandhi gives great insight in this powerful thought, ""In a gentle way, you can shake the world." You can shake the world"

 By having a reaction sequence you can change behaviors and life. This is a gentle process that can shake a person's world and bring about great change.