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One day at work a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I did my usual payday ritual: I opened every single retail application on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on clothes, decorative items and a totally useless heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but thought another couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or bored, I would doomscroll until it always ended in an impulsive shopping spree. My justification was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never completely certain about the reason. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and exciting things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to buying any item, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this method was that it gave me time to think – something I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I accessed my shopping apps and found products lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. By employing this system, I ceased acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing three board games, but after waiting before visiting the store, I realised I never actually engage with board games.

I also wanted to buying a single-use camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I recalled I had a smartphone, like most people, that has a perfectly good camera, and therefore did not need to buy a separate camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It additionally signifies I am more selective about the things I do purchase, and I can at last review my bank statements without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised ennui is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture preys on this boredom and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to halt before buying has felt strangely liberating. Gaining command over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is straightforward.