Build Your List of Reasons to Quit Smoking

Build Your List of Reasons to Quit Smoking Addiction Coping and Recovery Personal Stories Print Why Making a List Might Be the Best Way to Quit Smoking By Terry Martin facebook twitter Terry Martin quit smoking after 26 years and is now an advocate for those seeking freedom from nicotine addiction. Learn about our editorial policy Terry Martin Updated on December 30, 2018 brankokosteski / E+ / Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Personal Stories Methods and Support Overcoming Addiction Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Most people who smoke wish they didnt. We live with a hatred for something we  think we cannot live without. The fear of serious illness is usually there too, lurking in the background, and always that awful feeling of being powerless to quit. We all have plenty of reasons to quit smoking, yet, we just cant seem to do it.  Nicotine addiction does that to a person. Acknowledging Smokers Denial As smokers, we live in denial about what cigarettes are doing to us. We have to, otherwise, there would be no comfort in smoking, no relief...no pleasure. Yes, we know that smoking causes cancer and emphysemaâ€"we know smoking kills and that were playing roulette with our health. However, we also know that most smoking-related diseases take years to develop, so we tell ourselves we have time, that nothing will happen to us. Besides, the bad stuff always happens to other people anyway, right? Right? Wrong. With upwards of 6 million people dying on this planet every year from tobacco use, chances are more than good that well end up a tragic addition to those statistics if we continue smoking. Every additional year we invest in smoking compromises our chances for survival all the more. Eventually, there comes a time for most smokers when the smokescreen starts to wear thin. And when it does, smoking loses its luster; its ability to soothe. Instead, smoking becomes a fearful, anxiety-ridden activity that has little to do with pleasure or relaxation, and we find ourselves thinking about quitting with every cigarette we light. Ready to Stop Smoking The fact that youre here reading this article is a good sign. Youre probably sick of smoking, and unhappy enough to be looking for  help. Good for you, because when it comes to overcoming the addiction to nicotine, education is key. The more you understand about how smoking affects you and what to expect as you wean yourself away from it, the better prepared youll be for success. Why Do You Want to Quit Smoking? What are the reasons behind your desire to stop smoking? Sit down with pen and paper and list them out. Include every single reason you can think of, from the largest, most obvious, to the smallest. Think about the pros and cons of smoking as you compose your list, and when youre done, make a copy to carry with you. Add to it when more reasons come to mind, and read your list  when resolve is at a low ebb. It will quickly help you get your priorities back in order and keep you on track with your quit program. Think of your list of reasons as a cornerstone in the foundation youre building for smoking cessation. Be Patient With Yourself Much of the process of release from nicotine addiction comes down to plain old practice. We taught ourselves to smoke one day at a time until it was interwoven into just about every activity in our lives. It only makes sense then, that we should allow ourselves the time it takes to retrain old habits into newer, healthier ones that dont involve smoking. Arm yourself with knowledge and support, and be patient. Youll grow stronger by the day. Success Starts in Our Minds   Once we get our thoughts moving in the right direction, taking positive action comes more easily.Its like a snowball rolling downhill. Channel your thoughts onto that sheet of paper, and youll begin to gain momentum. Once you start the snowball rolling, youll be amazed at what you can do to change your life for the better. If you want to change your life, change your mind.