Story is about actions

Characters run, fight, hope...you get the idea.

These are all excellent verbs, but they're even better if you can focus them on transitive verbs. Transitive verbs use a direct object, a noun that receives the verb's action.

For example, Bob punches Mike, Bill kisses Sue, or Jerry slaps himself.

Whatever actions occur are being done to something or someone to effect change. They have the intention to achieve a goal.

However, there are also other verbs out there that can be a lot less...active.

For example: Bob contemplates life. Bill considers his choice. Jerry refines his thoughts.

All of these work. The verbs still affect change, even if your characters are still deciding what that change might be.

Ultimately, it is about your character's intentions and how they intend to achieve their goal.