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One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit on my phone: my paycheck had been deposited. It was a decent sum for a someone still at university, so I proceeded with my what I always did payday ritual: I launched every single shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on clothes, decorative items and a totally unused weighted blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a blow dryer. I already had one, but reasoned an extra one couldn't hurt. Then I included light strips and two shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, tired or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an unplanned shopping binge. My justification was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely sure about the reason. Maybe it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new outfits or anything to brighten up 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 gave in readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring anything, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The greatest advantage of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I actually require this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the answer was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found products sitting in my basket, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this method, I stopped acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to buy three board games, but after waiting before going to the store, I realised I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also contemplated buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I had a phone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly adequate camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated device.

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more selective about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records without experiencing shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into old habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs early, especially when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a powerful trigger. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture preys on this idleness and our need for instant gratification. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. To be able to have command over my urges and remind myself that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is simple.