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One day at work two years ago, an notification hit on my phone: my salary had come through. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my what I always did payday ritual: I opened every shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, decorative items and a totally useless weighted blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and bought a blow dryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I included LED strip lights and two pairs of 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 mindlessly scroll until it inevitably ended in an unplanned shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Maybe it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes or anything to decorate 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 gave in readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Before acquiring any item, I’d put it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to think – something I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I began questioning: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the answer was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. Using this system, I stopped acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing a trio of games, but after a waiting period before going to the store, I understood I never actually play tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I had a smartphone, like everybody else, that has a perfectly good camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It additionally means I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally review my bank statements devoid of feeling guilt or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been times I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can identify the signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand boredom is a strong trigger. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our need for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, compelling myself to halt before buying has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining control over my urges and reaffirming that I don’t need to spend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is simple.