Ever felt that "must-have" urge for a gadget or a pair of shoes? That's your brain's dopamine talking. But dopamine is a short-term player.
The 72-Hour Rule is simple: If you want to buy something non-essential, wait three full days before hitting "checkout."
Why it works:
- Emotion vs. Logic: After 72 hours, the emotional "high" fades, and your logical brain takes over.
- The Identity Shift: By choosing not to buy, you aren't "missing out." You are actively investing in your own goals.
- Found Money: That $50 you didn't spend? It's now "Found Money" waiting to be saved.
Manual tracking turns this habit into a game. Every time you skip a purchase, you win.