Why do we want the things we want? Does that bring us more happiness?

We live in a place of lack. We always want more things, more money, a better job, a better life. But do we really know why we want the things we want? Do we just want it because that is what everyone else wants? That is what we are told that we should want growing up? I see my mom working her entire life toward that goal, she gave up everything else in life and at the age of 69 she finally reached her goal. She gave up the relationship with her children among many things to reach for that success. I am not sure if she agrees that it was all worth it.