“Let all your efforts be directed to something, let it keep that end in view. It’s not activity that disturbs people, but false conceptions of things that drive them mad.”
Seneca, On Tranquility of Mind, 12.5
This makes me think of vision statements or at the very least the need for the long view. It’s like when you have a small startup company with the vision that someday you’ll be able to offer free or at least discounted services to people that may just need a little extra help to get going. Likewise, it’s like raising a child. You win and lose daily but you should never lose sight of why you fight those little battles. Ultimately the goal should be to raise a good human being that functions well in the world without you and one that can do the same for others.