False hope syndrome refers to a behavior of setting unrealistic expectations about the speed, amount, ease, and consequences of the changes you’ll make in your life. If you want to wait until you feel like doing something, reconsider your motivation.

Come up with a goal fueled by inner motivation – health, personal growth, affiliation, community contribution, than external motivation – fame, physical appearance, financial success.

The first part of the change – making the decision to make a change and setting an unrealistic goal – gives you a powerful boost of hope that makes you feel good. It’s typical instant gratification – you haven’t achieved anything, but you already feel like you’re on top of the world (or just an inch from reaching it). False hope syndrome makes you come up with unrealistic goals because you’re overexcited about reaching them. The next time you’re setting your goals (and especially if they’re related to something you have little idea about), set your mind on the action steps you need to take to reach your goal.

And although dreaming big is an admirable quality, find out what average people achieve and adjust your goals accordingly. Thanks to this simple change in your attitude, you won’t get discouraged by not reaching your (unrealistic) expectations.

Please refer to the book for more details on this activity.