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One afternoon at my job two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my paycheck had come through. It was a fair amount for a student, so I did my what I always did payday ritual: I launched every shopping app on my device. From Amazon to Zara, the list was endless. In under 60 minutes, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally unused weighted blanket that never touched.

A short while after, I returned to the internet and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but thought 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 infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, exhausted or uninterested, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an impulsive 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 why I did this. Maybe it was due to my upbringing in a poor family, where we’d go months without purchasing new clothes or anything to brighten up the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a subconscious desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in easily to the lure of consumerism.

The Game-Changing Strategy

In the end, I decided to experiment with something new. Before buying anything, I’d place it in my basket, delay for 24 hours, then decide whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it provided me space to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I began asking myself: “Do I truly require this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the answer was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found items lingering in my basket, I’d clear them out and start fresh. By employing this method, I stopped acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after waiting before going to the shop, I realised I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buying a single-use camera for my first trip to the coast. After pausing I remembered I possessed a smartphone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly good camera, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated device.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more selective about the items I do purchase, and I can finally look at my financial records devoid of feeling shame or discomfort.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous habits – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the warning signs early, particularly when I’m rushing into a purchase. I’ve come to understand ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the primary motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our need for instant satisfaction. That’s why, looking back, forcing myself to pause before buying has felt unexpectedly freeing. To be able to have control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to spend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as radical as it is simple.