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I've come to the conclusion that wanting something is generally more enjoyable than actually having it, at least for material things. Years ago, I thought it would be awesome to have a motorcycle. As a kid, I spent hours poring over motorcycle magazines, fantasizing of the wonderful day when I'd have a bike. In my imagination, I'd be zooming down twisty backroads, tossing the bike from side to side through the turns. 
 
Years later, I had the means to buy a bike, and I did. yes it was fun, but it certainly didn't live up to my fantasies. After a year or so, I sold it. Somehow reality just didn't compare to my imagination.
 
Pursuit is more exciting than attainment.  Consider "The pursuit of happiness" - you might think this implies that you hit a point at which you 'are happy', and will remain happy from then on. This misses the point; it is the pursuit itself that provides happiness, rather than a certain end point or goal. Attain a state of happiness, sit back and stop pursuing, and the happiness will dissappear. 
 
And yet the pull of 'having' can be strong. When gas prices climbed skyward last year, I again justified having a motorcycle, ostensibly to save on commuting costs. The old excitement was back as this time I pored over craigslist and ebay ads. Once again though, the having was less exciting than the wanting. In fact you can buy my bike here if you like! 
 
There is certainly nothing wrong with striving to achieve a goal or to obtain an object of desire; on the contrary, pursuing goals is essential to leading a happy, fulfilling life. Without striving, we are stagnant, directionless.
 
Keep in mind though, that attaining a goal or getting that long-dreamed-of object is not the end in itself. Have you ever thought the following?

• I'll be happy when I get a new car
• I'll be happy when I get a new job
• I'll be happy when I make more money
• I'll be happy when the kids grow up and move out
• I'll be happy when ....

When the condition ending your sentence occurred, did you find you were still the same person afterward, feeling the same way as before? Most likely so. Of course there is a short period of excitement after attaining a goal, but before long you are back in the same boat, picking the next goal, the next thing to strive for. 
 
So what's the point? Should we give up wanting things? Of course not - the point is, keep in mind during your journey that the striving is what life is about, not the attainment. Be happy that you are challenged in the pursuit of your goals and your material desires, for this is what makes life enjoyable. Don't fall into the trap of looking at what 'the other guy' has and thinking you'd be happy if only you were in his shoes. 
 
Enjoy the climb. The view from the peak will be nice, but you'll only sit there for a moment before deciding to climb yet again.