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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 fair amount 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 phone. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on apparel, home decor and a totally useless heavy blanket that I never used.

A few days later, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned an extra one wouldn't be a problem. Then I included LED strip lights and two pairs of shoes that didn't even fit me. This wasn’t new behaviour. In fact, I’d been notorious for it ever since I could afford to buy my own things.

Whenever I felt anxious, exhausted or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it always culminated in an impulsive shopping spree. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never completely certain why I did this. Maybe it was because 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 extra money, there was always a hidden yearning for novel 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 try a novel idea. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d put it in my digital cart, delay for 24 hours, then decide on whether to check out. The best part of this method was that it provided me time to reflect – an action I’d never taken. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I started asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” More often than not, the response was negative.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. By employing this method, I ceased buying goods that I intuitively knew I would never utilize. 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 buying a disposable film camera for my first trip to Croatia. After waiting I remembered I possessed a smartphone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore did not need to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It also means I am more discerning about the items I do purchase, and I can finally look at my financial records without feeling guilt or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can recognise the warning signs early, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a powerful catalyst. It’s probably the biggest motivator of my impulsive expenditure.

Modern culture preys on this idleness and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s the reason, looking back, forcing myself to halt before purchasing has felt strangely freeing. To be able to have control over my urges and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is simple.