Signposting

Finding contentment only when an external milestone is reached.

Milestones may include money, job title, neighborhood, physical appearance, car, clothing, degrees, health. The milestone (sign post) often correlates to perceived societal status.

A phrase like “I’ll be happy when…” signifies signposting. As does, “I’ll stop being stressed when I get that raise/apartment/ring.” This way of thinking gives full power to the external thing.

It’s limiting as hell.