A brahmana boy may begin his study of scripture and think he has become a learned scholar worthy of everyone’s praise. Similarly, those who are just beginning devotional service may have the audacity to think they have mastered the process and attained a high state. The scripture calls that utsaha-mayi—we are puffed up with enthusiasm. The problem is that such enthusiasm is coming from a false conception of ourselves. We think, “I’m chanting Hare Krishna, wearing kanthi-mala and devotional clothing. I have been a member of the society of devotees for some time, and I know a few Bhagavad-gita verses. I can also play fancy karatalas. Compared to everyone else around here, I’m an advanced devotee!” We draw enthusiasm from thinking we are more advanced than everyone else. Therefore it is called “false” enthusiasm. And we see that such false enthusiasm does not last. As soon as we are no longer recognized for our so-called advancement, we lose heart to practice Krishna consciousness. When we do not get the respect we think we deserve, we feel something is missing in our spiritual life. “I am advanced, but no one else seems to recognize me for what I am. I’m the only one who can see it.” False enthusiasm is another face of pride and must be given up.
(LFD, Vol2, Being Careful to Avoid Anisthita-bhakti, Pg 53, 2nd paragraph)