Easy Guide
Step 1: Knowing yourself
Smoking cessation is not an easy task. Some ex-smokers have said that it was the hardest thing they had to do. But do not worry, it can be done with a simple action plan. The first step to succeeding is to know yourself. Identify your reasons for stopping, and make these reasons personal. Is it for your newborn baby girl? The fact that your partner’s asthma is worsening? Maybe you want to run further? Whatever it may be, make it personal. Think about the problems if you continue smoking and the benefits you can gain if you quit.
This is the most important step in quitting smoking, so do not skip this section. Studies have shown that motivation is the key to success, and if you do not know why you want to stop, your motivation will subside quickly. Now it is time to create 2 lists.
‘Reasons to quit’ list: When you create this list, focus on the important things in your life. Write about your health, your family, costs, financial gains and even improved appearance. When you have finalized your well thought out list, make a few copies of the list. Go around your house and put that list up in places you often go to: the bedroom, toilet wall, work place, kitchen, your front door. A good idea is making a mini version to keep in your wallet.
‘Barriers’ list: This is a list of things in your life that is stopping you from quitting. Write about your friends who smoke, the withdrawals, weight gain, stress levels, or even the lack of committment. Identify places where you often smoke or are exposed to smoke (clubs, parties, restaurants). Once you have made that list, look through the articles on this site and on the web to find the sources to overcome these barriers.Take a long hard look at the two lists, and do not rush this step. Take as much time as you need to know your reasons, and at the end of it, commit fully to stopping smoking.
Go to step 2 here
