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One day at work two years ago, an alert popped up 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 usual when payday arrived: I opened every shopping app on my phone. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, the list was endless. Within the space of an hour, I had parted with £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused weighted blanket that I never used.

A short while after, I went online again and purchased a hairdryer. I already owned one, but reasoned another wouldn't be a problem. Then I included light strips and two shoes that weren’t even my size. This wasn't a new pattern. In fact, I’d been notorious 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 inevitably ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was constantly: “It's only £5.” But £5 turned into £10, then £20, and continued.

I was never entirely certain why I did this. Maybe it was due to I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without buying new clothes 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 definitely more likely, I was just financially irresponsible and gave in readily to capitalism’s consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to try a novel idea. Prior to buying anything, I’d put it in my digital cart, wait 24 hours, then decide whether to finalize the purchase. The best part of this technique was that it gave me space to think – an action I’d never taken. For the first time since adulthood, I started asking myself: “Do I truly need this? Can I afford it?” Most of the time, the answer was no.

If I opened Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered items lingering in my cart, I’d remove them and begin anew. Using this system, I stopped acquiring goods that I intuitively knew I would never use. I once considered purchasing three board games, but after a waiting period before visiting the store, I realised I never actually engage with tabletop games.

I also wanted to buy a single-use camera for my first holiday to the coast. After pausing I remembered I had a phone, similar to everybody else, that has a perfectly adequate lens, and therefore had no requirement to acquire a separate device.

The Lasting Impact

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

Naturally, there have been times I’ve slipped back into old habits – it's human nature. The difference now is that I can identify the warning signs sooner, especially when I’m hastening into a transaction. I’ve come to understand boredom is a powerful catalyst. It’s probably the biggest driver of my impulsive spending.

Consumer culture exploits this idleness and our desire for instant gratification. That’s the reason, in hindsight, forcing myself to pause before buying has felt strangely liberating. To be able to have control over my impulses and remind myself that I don't have to expend my diligently earned money on non-essential products feels as revolutionary as it is straightforward.