5 Day No Spend Challenge Day 3

Listen to today’s content:

You’ve made it to Day 3 of the Dopamine Spending Reset.

By now, you’ve:

  • Spotted your triggers
  • Started catching the urge before it takes over

Today, we’re building on that by practicing one superpower ADHD brains can learn with the right tools:

Pausing before you spend.

Why this matters:

Most impulsive spending happens fast — so fast your logical brain doesn’t stand a chance.

But even a short pause gives your brain time to check in and ask:

  • “Do I really want this — or am I just chasing a feeling?”

You’re not trying to stop yourself cold turkey.

You’re just learning to hit “pause” long enough to stay in control.

Today’s action: Try 2–3 of these “Pause the Pattern” tools

Pick a couple of these to try anytime the urge hits today:

1. Wish List
→ Add the item to a wish list instead of your cart

2. The 5-Second Reset
→ Pause and count down: 5…4…3…2…1
Then ask: What am I actually needing right now?

3.Leave the Tab / Walk Away
→ Physically exit the app, store, or room. Break the loop.

4.Put Your Wallet/Card in Another Room or delete saved cards
→ Make it just inconvenient enough to buy yourself a pause.

5.Drink Water / Chew Gum / Brush Teeth
→ Give your brain a mini sensory reset. Surprisingly effective.

6.Text a Friend: “I Want to Buy…”
→ Not for advice — just to break the momentum.

7.Ask: “Will this feel good tomorrow?”
→ Fast-forward past the dopamine to the regret filter.

Even if you do spend today, that’s OK.
If you paused — even for a moment — that’s a win.

You’re starting to rewrite the script.

Tomorrow, we’ll give your brain some fresh dopamine — no spending required.

And spoiler: it might feel better than hitting “Buy Now.”

Head over to the Facebook group to share you favorite pause technique with the community.

You’ve got this,

Shane

Copyright © 2025 Shane Gallagher Coaching, LLC.