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One day at work a couple of years back, an notification hit on my mobile device: 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 when payday arrived: I launched every single shopping app on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally useless weighted blanket that never touched.

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 added light strips and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn't a new pattern. In reality, I’d been infamous for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it inevitably culminated in an impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was always: “Oh well, it’s just £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely sure why I did this. Perhaps it was due to I grew up in a low-income family, where we’d go months without buying new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for new and thrilling things. Or possibly, and almost certainly, I was just bad with money and gave in readily to the lure of demands.

The Game-Changing Strategy

Eventually, I opted to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it gave me time to think – something I’d never done before. For the first time since adulthood, I started questioning: “Do I truly need this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was no.

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

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to the coast. After waiting I remembered I possessed a phone, like most people, that features a perfectly adequate camera, and thus had no requirement to acquire a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

It also means I am more selective about the things I do purchase, and I can finally review my financial records without feeling 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 sooner, especially when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s perhaps the biggest motivator of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, looking back, compelling myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely liberating. Gaining command over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to spend my hard-earned money on non-essential goods feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.