How to Commit to Quit Smoking

A commitment to stop smoking begins with the reprogramming of all formally accepted thoughts. There are many options available to smokers to assist them in their quest; however, without the dedication, most of these fail to fulfill their promise. So, if you're a smoker looking to quit, stop thinking about it and start living your life confidently as a nonsmoker.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Find your motivation. Whether it is your family, your friends or how winded you feel after climbing a flight of stairs, list the most important reasons why you want to stop smoking. Reinforce them steadily. Providing yourself with an array of sound reasons to quit will solidify your commitment; this is the foundation on which you will stand as a nonsmoker.
2. Change your brain. Building the will to resist smoking begins with your inner dialogue. As with Step 1, reinforce the fact that you are now a nonsmoker in your thoughts and actions. Tell yourself repeatedly that you don't smoke. Refrain from hanging around places where people are constantly lighting up. You are your thoughts, so be proud and embrace your "new" habit of being smoke-free.
3. Never give in to a craving. Cravings can be intense and cause tremendous anxiety. You must combat their force with a greater power, your will. Stand strong against the urge. You have the power to destroy and banish it from your mind. Replace the thought of smoking by reinforcing Steps 1 and 2. You are a nonsmoker, and you will live as such by not smoking ever again, no matter what.
4. Use whatever works for you, but stay committed. No one said that you were alone in this or that you couldn't use stop smoking aids. If patches, gums, cessation groups or even one-on-one therapy sessions work for you, by all means use them. The goal is to never have another cigarette. Whatever support is available that will keep you dedicated to that goal should be embraced.