There is a tendency to create expectations from offers.

• “We’d like to promote you, and we’re working out the compensation details now… stand by.”

• “Click here for a chance to win.”

• “You’re missing out…”

How much more will I make? What might I win? I’m likely missing out on something big…

Seneca quoted Hecato saying, “cease to hope and you’ll cease to fear,” in his letters to Lucilius.

I couldn’t agree more.

When we generate too much hope, we conversely generate more risk for disappointment. The higher the hope, the more disappointment we’ll feel. Hope and frustration are related.

So do we stop hoping?

Don’t stop hoping. Start making your hope based on what’s realistic and possible. If you want, go a step further and hope for things that help you help others just a little bit more.

Like all things in moderation - such as custard - hope is best dished in realistic doses.

You can trust me - I was once a hopeless romantic… why else do you become a musician?