I am close to FI (FI for me anyways, a lot of mustachians would probably think I'm already there). I know that if the shit hits the fan, I can purchase a smaller home and make some other adjustments and I'd be just fine. I'm going to have food, clothing, medical care and shelter and can still do things I enjoy.
This has really changed my attitude in a lot of ways. Instead of feeling stuck at my job (A little over 4 years until I get pension and medical), I look at my account balances when I feel frustrated or pissed at work and know that if it's really bad enough, I can just quit and do something else.
I also have a potential opportunity to switch careers mid-life without going through any additional training or changing employers (just a different department). If I am able to make this switch, it will be something I enjoy a lot more, but I may have to take less pay to begin with. It is a field I've long been interested in and have worked on the periphery of and this may be my best chance to break into the field. I am at a lot more peace about possibly having to take less pay (although I will try to negotiate for a lateral transfer) than if I wasn't close to FI. And if for some reason the career change doesn't work out for me, I have money to fall back on while I regroup (probably seek part-time employment).
So whenever I am tempted by unnecessary purchases or expensive items, I try to remind myself of this feeling of freedom. That beats any short term happiness from spending money.
