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One day at work a couple of years back, an alert popped up on my mobile device: my salary had come through. It was a fair amount for a someone still at university, so I did my what I always did when payday arrived: I launched every single retail application on my device. Amazon, Vinted, Etsy, Depop, Zara, you name it. In under 60 minutes, I had spent £90 on clothes, home decor and a totally unused heavy blanket that never touched.

A few days later, I returned to the internet and bought 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 fact, I’d been infamous for it since I started earning.

Whenever I felt stressed, tired or bored, I would mindlessly scroll until it always ended in an impulsive shopping binge. My excuse was always: “It's only £5.” But £5 became £10, then £20, and so on.

I was never entirely certain about the reason. Perhaps it was because I grew up in a poor family, where we’d experience months without purchasing new outfits or anything to decorate the home. So any time I had extra money, there was always a hidden desire for novel and thrilling things. Or maybe, and almost certainly, I was just financially irresponsible and succumbed easily to the lure of consumerism.

A Revolutionary Approach

Eventually, I decided to experiment with a novel idea. Prior to acquiring any item, I’d place it in my digital cart, delay for 24 hours, then make a choice on whether to check out. The best part of this technique was that it gave me time to reflect – something I’d never done before. For the first occasion since I turned 18, I started questioning: “Do I actually need this? Is it within my budget?” More often than not, the response was no.

If I accessed Amazon, Depop or Zara and discovered products sitting in my cart, I’d clear them out and begin anew. Using this method, I ceased acquiring goods that I knew deep down I would never use. I once considered buy three board games, but after waiting before visiting the shop, I understood I never actually play board games.

I also wanted to buying a disposable film camera for my first holiday to the coast. After waiting I recalled I possessed a smartphone, like most people, that features a perfectly good camera, and thus did not need to buy a dedicated camera.

The Enduring Benefits

It also signifies I am more discerning about the things I do buy, and I can finally look at my financial records without feeling shame or embarrassment.

Naturally, there have been occasions I’ve relapsed into previous patterns – it’s only natural. The key change is that I can identify the signs sooner, particularly when I’m hastening into a purchase. I’ve realised ennui is a strong catalyst. It’s probably the primary driver of my impulsive expenditure.

Consumer culture exploits this boredom and our desire for immediate gratification. That’s why, in hindsight, forcing myself to pause before purchasing has felt unexpectedly freeing. Gaining command over my urges and remind myself that I don’t need to expend my diligently earned money on unnecessary products feels as radical as it is simple.