I also try to control my reactions towards situations. This really helps to control and change the situation's outcome. I think that we have a short amount of timespan between the action and our reaction. As we practice to change our reaction this timespan becomes bigger and then we really control the situation. Because the reaction is an instinct that we need to train. As you said, if someone honks their horn at you, what do you do.
You have a small amount of time to think what is the best reaction from you that will benefit you the most. Not simply reacting, but making the situation work for you. And your reaction can be absolutely absurd or shocking for the other person. It is really great to surprise people that way :)))