Principle 04 · from the Enchiridion
Expect obstacles
Delays and mistakes are part of many plans. Consider likely obstacles beforehand and decide how you want to respond.
Source passage (English)
The passage is shown in English. The explanation and example below are modern interpretations for this site.
When you are going about any action, remind yourself what nature the action is. If you are going to bathe, picture to yourself the things which usually happen in the bath: some people splash the water, some push, some use abusive language, and others steal. Thus you will more safely go about this action if you say to yourself, "I will now go bathe, and keep my own mind in a state conformable to nature." And in the same manner with regard to every other action. For thus, if any hindrance arises in bathing, you will have it ready to say, "It was not only to bathe that I desired, but to keep my mind in a state conformable to nature; and I will not keep it if I am bothered at things that happen."
What this means
Epictetus asks us to prepare our minds before we begin. Most activities come with annoyances you can see coming: delays, interruptions, mistakes, and difficult people. It is easy to get upset not only because something went wrong, but because we assumed it should all go smoothly.
Expecting some friction means you are less surprised when it arrives. You may still plan carefully and prefer an easy day. You stop making perfect conditions a requirement for acting with good judgment.
Preparation needs a stopping point. Name the most likely disruption and one reasonable way to handle it, then begin. Trying to predict every possible failure can become another way to postpone the task. The purpose is to be ready to adapt when something changes, while still leaving room for an ordinary good day.
An everyday example
You leave for work and traffic is awful. Someone cuts you off, the train is late, and your mood is wrecked before the workday even begins.
Before leaving, you could remind yourself that commuting often includes delays and inconsiderate people. When the delay happens, it is still inconvenient. You just do not have to add an hour of anger to it.
Reflection Question
What could reasonably go wrong in your next routine activity? How would you like to respond if it does?