What psychological barrier might affect job seekers who rely on wishful thinking?

The psychological barrier that affects job seekers who rely on wishful thinking is a lack of proactive approaches to job searching. When individuals depend on hope or desire without actively seeking out opportunities, they tend to miss out on essential actions such as networking, applying for positions, or improving their skills. Wishful thinking can lead to a passive mindset, where job seekers may believe that something good will happen simply by wishing for it rather than through effort and perseverance. This creates a barrier to successfully finding employment because effective job searching typically requires initiative, strategic planning, and engagement with the labor market. Without a proactive stance, individuals limit their chances of success and may remain stuck in a cycle of hoping for outcomes rather than creating them through tangible actions.