The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
It's always too early to quit.
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
To be a good loser is to learn how to win.
You never know what motivates you.
Leap, and the net will appear.
Wherever you are - be all there.
The dog that trots about finds a bone.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
The wise does at once what the fool does at last.
Your political reputation affects how likely allies are to trust you, and what kind of deals they'll offer at the negotiating table. There's also some emotional response in there, so factions do bear grudges. Just like the real thing.