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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my paycheck had come through. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I did my usual when payday arrived: I launched every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on apparel, decorative items and a completely unused weighted blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and bought a hairdryer. I already had one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I included LED strip lights and two shoes that didn't even fit me. 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 stressed, exhausted or bored, I would doomscroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping spree. My justification was constantly: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Maybe it was because my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new outfits or anything to brighten up the house. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a hidden desire for new and thrilling things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just bad with money and succumbed easily to the lure of consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to experiment with something new. Before buying anything, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was negative.

If I accessed my shopping apps and found items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this system, I ceased buying things that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I understood I never actually engage with board games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I possessed a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that features a perfectly good lens, and therefore did not need to acquire a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

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

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the signs sooner, particularly when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve realised boredom is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive spending.

Modern culture preys on this boredom and our need for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly liberating. Gaining command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.