Why Quit Smoking?

If you’ve declared “quit smoking in 2009” your resolution for the New Year, you’ve got a lot to look forward to like more energy and money saved on cigarettes. That said, you’ve got some challenges to face, too. A little planning can go a long way towards making sure you reach your goal and enjoy the benefits of your resolution.

Know what you’re up against
Let’s face it, for most people, quitting smoking isn’t exactly easy; however, when you know ahead of time exactly what difficulties you may face, overcoming them is easier. The first thing to deal with is any lingering doubts you may have. Unless you truly believe you can quit smoking in 2009, you’re going to be subconsciously looking for excuses to light up again. Once you’re completely convinced that quitting is something you can do this year, think through how you’re going to deal with any difficulties that come up. How will you fight cravings? What will you do about headaches and other withdrawal symptoms? How will you handle it when friends light up around you?

Make a plan
The reason so many people fail to keep their resolutions is that they don’t have a plan for the whole time it will take to reach the goal. With the resolution to quit smoking in 2009, what you really need is a plan to avoid relapsing. The problem with that, though, is that goals stated in the negative tend to be too vague to be effective. Rather than just telling yourself to avoid smoking, make a list of positive goals like what you’ll do instead of smoking whenever you feel a craving coming on. For instance, if you’re learning guitar, you can practice as a way to distract yourself from a craving.

Get support
Quitting smoking is one of the most popular resolutions around so there’s no reason you have to go through it alone. Ask your doctor for guidance. Find a “quit buddy” you call up for support when you’re struggling. Ask your friends and family to give you encouragement when you haven’t smoked for a while, rather than criticism for relapses. Join online support forums for former smokers and attend local or online seminars to pick up quit smoking tips.

Remember, too, if your resolution is to quit smoking in 2009, you have the whole year to do it. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have a relapse or two. With a strong belief that reaching your goal is possible, a solid plan, and plenty of support, you have an excellent chance of becoming a non-smoker in the coming year.