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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my usual payday ritual: I opened every single retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a totally unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and bought a blow dryer. I already had one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added LED strip lights and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt stressed, exhausted or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely sure why I did this. Perhaps it was because my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to the lure of demands.

A Revolutionary Approach

In the end, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to buying anything, I’d put it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it gave me space to think – something I’d never taken. For the first occasion since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the response was negative.

If I opened my shopping apps and discovered products lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and start fresh. Using this system, I ceased acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after a waiting period before going to the store, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

I also wanted to buy a single-use camera for my first holiday to the coast. After waiting I recalled I possessed a smartphone, similar to most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally signifies I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally review my financial records devoid of experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The difference now is that I can identify the warning signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve realised ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my reckless expenditure.

Modern culture preys on this boredom and our desire for instant satisfaction. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to halt before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining control over my impulses and reaffirming that I don’t need to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.