I stumbled across Mr Money Mustache back in 2012. Over years, I really took the message to heart, turning away from consumerism, practicing minimalism, developing DIY skills. However, I also noticed that gradually, such efforts seem to be less satisfying.
For example, I was on a trip recently, a mix of business and pleasure. So on personal days, I tried to find cheaper hotels. I ended up with an airbnb for about half of the hotel price. While perfectly adequate, it lacked the convenience of a downtown hotel. The mustachian in me decided to take the bus instead of taxi to the airbnb, which required me to walk 10 min in the cold, and I could not work out for couple of days as the airbnb did not have gym. After going through the trouble of packing and upacking, I was little depressed.
I felt I was stuck in a scarcity mentality, struggling for a little incremental gain. Based on 80/20 rule, as long as I am not getting a suite at the Ritz and ordering lobster, I should have just stayed at the same hotel, and going abt my daily workout, enjoying the city.
Broadly speaking, on this forum, there is a lot of discussion about withdraw rate and how much saving one needs to FIRE. But, life is filled with uncertainties the neither withdraw rate nor saving amount can really address. Security in life can only come from one's ability to adapt. I think Mr Money Mustache certainly reflects this. He is a very talented man, from building house, coworking space, this blog, etc. To be honest, when he quit his job, I don't think he really agonized over withdraw rate or saving amount. He probably just figured he can manage his adaptablity and frugality.
Anyway, just jotting down some of my thoughts at my airbnb (typing in bed, as the room does not have a desk). Overall this is not a criticism of mustachism. I am greatful for having discovered it, but I feel I need to embrace the abundance mentality by focusing more on starting a business or going further in my career.