Before you quit, there are a couple of things you can do to specifically increase your chances of success. A little pre-planning makes for a lot better chance of success. The following are methods used by others who have quit successfully.1. Ask yourself the following questions and write out the answers
It's critical that you take the time and effort to write out the answers. This increases your commitment level to your goal of quitting smoking.Question 1: Ask yourself, "Why do I smoke?" If you smoke for pleasure, write down healthy alternatives that will provide similar pleasure. If you smoke when you're under stress, write down ways you can avoid/reduce the causes or effects of the stress.
Question 2: If you've tried to quit smoking before, ask yourself "What could I have done differently last time to avoid starting again?" Look at the things that stopped you, and make a vow to avoid these things! Plan a strategy for keeping ahead of these things.
Question 3: Ask yourself, "What are all the reasons I must quit." Notice the question says "must quit" not "want to quit." You'll be more motivated to stick with something if you know you must do it. When you have a list of powerful reasons why you must quit, put the reasons on index cards. Put them where you can see them on a regular basis. These will serve as a constant reminder to you. Now when you read them, and imagine what they mean. This imagery will help your resolve.
Question 4: Ask yourself, "What can I do instead of smoking?" When you break a habit, you need to replace that habit with something else. That's one of the reasons why some people gain weight when they quit smoking. Instead of lighting up a cigarette, they eat candy, a candy bar, or drink something. Determine in advance what you are going to do. If you smoke after you finish a meal, you may decide to read a book, or listen to music instead.
2. Set a deadline
Tell yourself, "On (month and date) I will have my last cigarette. From that point on, I will never have another cigarette.” For maximum chances for success, you must quit cold turkey. Even having just the occasional cigarette will prolong withdrawal symptoms, and your chances of quitting will plummet.3. Enlist the help of your friends and family
There's a reason why there are so many support groups out there - they work. It's a lot easier to do something when you're surrounded by people who are encouraging you and hoping for your success. Let your friends and family know what you are going to do. Tell them you need their support and encouragement. If people have made fun of your failed efforts in the past, tell them that it would be very helpful if they didn't remind you of that.4. Change your surroundings
When you've made the commitment to quit smoking, get rid of all ashtrays. Throw them out. You're not going to need them. Make your home a smoke-free area. If you smoke in your car, remove the ashtray.5. When You Quit
There may be sources of stress in your life that can't be eliminated. For example, you may have a co-worker or supervisor who causes you stress. If you're not already eating healthfully, it's time to start. Be sure to eat grains, fruits, and crunchy vegetables. Also, be sure to drink lots of water. Make exercise a part of your regular routine. When you start feeling more invigorated, and see your muscles toning, you'll be less tempted to start smoking again.Stop Smoking - Step 1
Stop Smoking - Step 2
Stop Smoking - Step 3
Stop Smoking - article by YourWebDoc.com