Imagine the consequences of your actions beforehand...

Donald's Commentary on The Handbook of Epictetus #29

In each separate thing that you do, consider the matters which come first and those which follow after, and only then approach the thing itself. Otherwise, at the start you will come to it enthusiastically, because you have never reflected upon any of the subsequent steps, but later on, when some difficulties appear, you will give up disgracefully.

We should consider the steps involved in achieving our goals. It’s often the case that people focus on their long-term goals without fully considering the effort, sacrifice, tenacity, and patience, required to achieve them. We want to enjoy the victories without fighting the battles.