So you have tried to quit smoking a number of times. To be smoke free is something that sounds great, and really you don’t even want to be a smoker in the first place. But there is something that seems to always attract you back to it when the cravings get strong. Some urge that is felt when the stress gets too high, or the crowd goes for a smoke. Inside, you know that you don’t want to give in, but for some reason it never seems to work out that way. The cycle repeats and some time later, you are in the same spot, thinking it would be excellent to be a non smoker, but having nothing to show for it.
Why is that? Why do so many people wish that they weren’t a smoker, and yet continue to be one? Why is quitting such a hard thing to accomplish? Below is a list of reasons why people fail to quit smoking, even when deep down, they’d rather be smoke free and healthy.
No Plot in Place when a Temptation comes Up
Along your quit smoking timeline, there are going to be temptations. Lots of them. And some can seem to be so strong that you can’t resist. The problem is that most people wait until the temptation comes along, and then try to choose whether they should have a smoke or not. And since in the past temptation has lead to smoking, it is most likely that this will again be the case. Ancient habits die hard (don’t we all know). The problem here is that there is not a pre-determined plot in place of what to do when the temptation arises. If there is no pre-determined plot, nearly every time you will resort back to what has always happened. Smoking. And by pre-determined plot, I don’t mean “Don’t give in” or “be strong” or “Don’t smoke”. I mean a deliberate action plot of exactly what you are going to do while the temptation is there. This will allow you to get through the temptation, and feel great when you come back to your senses after the temptation has passed. A big success consists of a lot of small successes, and for every small success, there is an action plot.
I’ve Tried Before and it Didn’t Work, so I Must not be able to Quit
On average, it takes a person 12 to 14 attempts at kicking the habit before they can say they have quit for excellent. That’s a less that 10% success rate. This just goes to show how hard it can be to quit, and how well you are doing if you are on your quit smoking timeline. Whether it is 1 day, 5 days, or 5 months, every new day without a smoke is a day leading to a longer, more pleased, more fulfilled life. The issue comes about when someone has attempted to quit and hits a bump in the road. Maybe there was a gathering where alcohol was involved and you gave in. Or maybe a trigger set you off and the feeling to have a smoke came about like you hadn’t felt in months. It happens. But that doesn’t mean that you have to start over. Too many people throw away months of hard work after one small lapse. Just because it happened that time does not mean that you have failed on your stop smoking timeline. instead, continue on the timeline as a non-smoker, and next time that the same situation comes up, have a plot in place to overcome that situation. Once you do, you will know that you can always handle yourself in that instance. You will have a proven system of what to do in that situation. Don’t let bumps in the road deter you from reaching your accomplishments. Use them as lessons on how to improve on your weaknesses and form a plot to build new strengths.
Lack of Constant Motivation/Support
There is a saying that things worth achieving won’t be achieved easily. (or something along those lines) Many people are of the impression that they would like to quit, but when push comes to shove and the moment of truth arrives, they can never seem to stay on course. This may be due to lack of an action plot as mentioned above, but it may also be due to a lack of motivation, or support that they have received. It is critical when trying to accomplish anything to seek out like minded people with the same interests and goals in mind. Some people call this a mastermind group. It has been proven that being associated with a support/motivation/mastermind group is a key factor to continued success. As you progress through your quit smoking timeline, use the success of your accomplishments to motivate and support others. This will not only help you stay motivated, but will also motivate and support others who may not be as far along in their quit smoking timeline. As a demonstration of this motivation and support, feel free to leave a comment outlining how long you have been smoke free as well as a motivational or supporting comment that has helped you get as far as you have.
I can Do This With Sheer Willpower
Smoking is an addiction, and a powerful one at that. Many people who would like to quit believe that they will quit when they are ready, or soon, or tomorrow. The truth is tomorrow may never come if the plot is just to not smoke when the temptations comes about. Willpower can’t be trusted in these situation as smoke, triggers, and temptations can have a powerful effect on the brain. Taking action is the key, and sometimes we need an extra push to help us along the way. There are many products on the market that will allow us the extra push that is needed in times of weakness. Whether you choose to chew Nicorette gum, use a patch, or an electronic smoking devices, all of these can be used to help along the way when willpower doesn’t seem all that powerful. Check out the products section for more information on the products that can help you on your quit smoking timeline.
If we could all choose to quit smoking knowing that it would be simple, we all would do it. Clearly the advantages of being smoke free outweigh the huge set of disadvantages of being a smoker. But, ancient habits die hard, especially if there is no plot, motivation, support, or certain product help along the way. By paying close attention to the factors why people fail listed above, you will be much more prepared to tackle any craving or temptation that may arise. When you have overcome the temptation, you can give yourself a big pat on the back, and continue along your quit smoking timeline.
If you have found this, or any of the other post helpful, please feel free to leave a comment. Also, if you have a question or topic that you feel would be enjoyable, helpful, or motivational, email us through the contact tab above. We also like hearing success tales, and may even include a reference to what has helped contribution to your success in a future post.