wishful thinking

self-deception

Convincing yourself of falsehoods

• denialRefusal to accept reality
• unrealisticLacking basis in reality
• naivetyInnocent lack of experience

pipe dream · false hope · misconception · irrationality · overoptimism · rose-colored glasses · blind spot · confirmation bias · rationalization · cognitive distortion

daydreaming

Idle mental wandering

• fantasizingImagining desired scenarios
• imaginationFaculty for forming ideas
• make-believeImaginative play or fantasy

dreamworld · escapism · castles in the air · reverie · wool-gathering · flight of fancy · head in clouds · mental escape · pie in the sky

longing

Intense, persistent desire

• yearningIntense prolonged craving
• desireIntense wanting
• aspirationStrong desire for achievement

wanting · crossed fingers · prayers · expectation · anticipation · faith · belief · trust · silver lining · ray of hope

rosy outlook

Cheerful expectation of success

• sanguineCheerfully optimistic temperament
• bright sidePositive aspect of something
• glass half fullPositive outlook metaphor

hopeful · buoyant · sunny disposition · Pollyanna · looking up · counting chickens

• daydreamingdaydreaming, daydreams, fantasies, deep in thought, musings
• daydreamsdaydream, fantasy, reverie, dreaming, imagining
• mindsetsgrowth mindset, fixed mindset, mindset, abundance mindset, scarcity mindset
• Misconceptionsmisconception, myth, fallacy, false belief, mistaken belief
• wisheswish, make a wish, wish granted, wish fulfillment, wish list
• fantasiesdaydream, fantasy, dream, illusion, make-believe