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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up on my phone: my salary had come through. It was a fair amount for a student, so I proceeded with my what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every shopping app on my phone. From Amazon to Zara, you name it. Within the space of an hour, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a completely unused heavy blanket that I never used.

A short while after, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already had one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I added 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 since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or bored, 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 so on.

I was never completely sure why I did this. Perhaps it was due to my upbringing in a low-income family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had some disposable income, there was always a subconscious desire for new and exciting things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I opted to try something new. Before acquiring any item, I’d place it in my basket, wait 24 hours, then make a choice whether to check out. 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 asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the response was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and found items lingering in my basket, I’d remove them and begin anew. By employing this system, I ceased acquiring things that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once wanted to purchasing three board games, but after waiting before visiting the shop, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also contemplated buy a disposable film camera for my first holiday to Croatia. After pausing I remembered I had a smartphone, similar to most people, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and thus had no requirement to acquire a dedicated camera.

The Lasting Impact

It also signifies I am more selective about the items I do buy, and I can finally review my bank statements devoid of feeling shame or embarrassment.

Of course, there have been occasions I’ve slipped back into old patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can recognise the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m rushing into a transaction. I’ve come to understand boredom is a strong trigger. It’s probably the primary motivator of my reckless spending.

Modern culture exploits this idleness and our desire for instant satisfaction. That’s the reason, in hindsight, compelling myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining command over my impulses and reaffirming that I don't have to expend my hard-earned money on unnecessary goods feels as revolutionary as it is simple.