Lots of great stories here! And there's NO reason not to enjoy life... even from the beginning.
I could argue that early on whey you don't have shet, NEVER spend more than you earn, and NEVER borrow for toys, and a good plan is to live off of less than HALF you earn and invest the rest wisely.
So, ya start out with a really modest boat... perhaps a row boat, but you enjoy and have fun, without going in debt. So, the dollars you're saving, most goes into future retirement but a little bit buys you the next toy. And so forth.
So you end up in a position to retire early, but have enjoyed life over the years. It works, but need some sacrifices in the beginning.
I've always enjoyed time off, fun times, toys, travel, etc... just different levels over time. My things are boats and planes and have always had them since in college. Now, a lot of folks wouldn't have liked to fly in my first plane, no electrical, hand prop, not lights, no radios, but have some memories in that plane that I'll cherish forever, and it cost me a whopping $2K to buy. Starting with a flight around Lake Michigan that I probably could have done faster in a boat. An my first boat was a POS, old aluminum Chrysler, with and old crappy Chrysler engine. Took it to key west and kept it there....flew down to use it.
Well, after 20 planes and 21 boats later, trips all over the world, from camping under the stars to 5 star hotels in Hong Kong, life owes me nothing, but will continue to enjoy regardless.
So DO IT.... spend those saved dollars and enjoy them. Ya can't take it with ya.