Why Overnight Success?

Two recent experiences have led me to an interesting question:

How do we decide (consciously or not) what makes us satisfied with life? Why have I always been relatively discontent with my successes, while others seem perfectly (read: more) happy with less?

The question is effectively stated in this video by Chris Brogan, part of the Overnight Success series. The relevant line is at 2:14:

Again, you don’t have to do this. There are other ways to the finish line, but you and me, we’re talking about overnight success.

I know that I’m trying to build “overnight success” and I know that it kind of kills me that I don’t have it yet. What makes such a large level of success so important to me? Why do I need to do something broad, significant, and difficult to find satisfaction? (Not that I’m complaining, or I’d rather be content to watch TV all day, I’m just curious.)

On the flipside; certain simple things are incredibly rewarding. I went bowling last evening after doing design work all day. Bowling on the two lanes to my right was a group of ten friends, probably a few years older than me, just drinking beers, hanging out, and bowling a few games on a Sunday night.

I was struck by how happy the entire group seemed, and I can understand how one could be happy living a life with experiences like that on a regular basis. Yet, here I am, plugging away at something currently very solitary, very inwardly motivated. Why does this drive me the way it does? Why do I require this “difficult” experience to feel satified?

Why do I need overnight success?