What term describes unrealistic hopes regarding future rewards based on current efforts?

The term that describes unrealistic hopes regarding future rewards based on current efforts is wishful thinking. Wishful thinking involves forming beliefs or making decisions based on what one desires to be true rather than on evidence or reality. This can often lead to an overestimation of the positive outcomes that might result from one's current actions or efforts, despite the lack of concrete support for such outcomes.

In the context of this question, individuals exhibiting wishful thinking may invest time and energy into a task while genuinely believing that the results will exceed realistic expectations, purely due to their hopes rather than an objective assessment of the situation. This concept emphasizes the disconnect between aspirations and practical outcomes, highlighting how emotions can sometimes cloud judgment.

In contrast, other options like pragmatism focus on practicality and what can be realistically achieved. Optimism bias refers to the tendency to believe that one is less likely to experience negative events than others, and naive belief implies a simplistic or oversimplified understanding of situations without critical analysis. These distinctions help clarify why wishful thinking is the most appropriate term in this context.