Why do we not go get what we desire even if it is so easy to receive?

This is what I do not understand and wrestle with this notion often. Take this example; it was last summer and I missed my girlfriend a lot. We were four hours away and it was later in the evening. Both having work in the morning, I knew we both had our obligations. I knew I wanted to see her more than anything, though. I still wonder why I didn't just go in the car and drive there to see her. Lets think about this. If you asked me what I wanted more than anything, seeing her would be it. It was more important than my summer landscaping job and worth more than the inconvenience of driving there, so why didn't I just do it? I still am not able to answer that question. Its probably something psychological, right? I had things I 'had' to do, but I longed for something that was, in my perspective, much more valuable and important. That night I chose not to get the thing I wanted more than anything in the world. Do I regret not going? Yes. But I regret even more not having the courage to trust and believe in myself to understand that money and the daily routine of my life could take a break for the things we really strive for.

What were my goals? Maybe seeing her was a short term goal, while establishing myself and generating income was my long term. In this case, I could see that I would see her soon and than later I would be happy knowing that I made some money that day and was committed to my obligations. In my opinion, the goals of money and wealth that we all believe that we ought to strive for are short lived if we pass up the opportunity for the things we actually live, work and strive for.