Deciding to Stop

The Difference between Wanting & Deciding

Let's get one thing straight: wanting is very different from deciding. It may seem like the same thing, but really it's not. There is a world of difference between wanting to stop and actually deciding to do it. You have probably wanted to stop since the very day that you started smoking; but - as is only too clear - it just didn't happen.

On the other hand, deciding is a very serious issue. It is something that can affect our self esteem and our dignity, because once we decide, we have to stick to the decision, don't we? And that is not going to be easy.

The problem is that if you are not on the right track, you're more likely to fail. And if you try, and then fail, it is going to be all the more difficult to break the habit.

The Actual Decision

Before we come to the actual decision, we might have to do some serious thinking. The decision to stop smoking is not something that you can hit upon just like that; you need to feel composed, and to have everything well under control. You need to sit and think about it - for at least ten minutes. Oh yes, ten minutes is enough time!

What I would suggest would be that you browse through this site and then sit and think about it for another ten minutes, and then bite the bullet. But remember that it is not making the decision that is difficult; it is sticking to it that is going to be the hard part. So go ahead and make up your mind.

Let the World Know

Once your mind is made up, announce your decision to stop smoking to as many people as possible. Tell all your friends that you have decided to stop, and ask them to help you as much as they can.

The good thing about letting others know about your decision to stop is that it makes you more accountable. It reduces your chances of taking a sneaky puff. It is a lot easier to stick to promises made in public than to keep promises made in private. You have your word to live up to, and the fear of being scorned and ridiculed by others. Discuss your decision with your family; tell them about your decision and the difficulties that you are going to face. Tell them that you are going to need their support and help, and that it is not going to be easy for you.

One excellent thing you could do is draft a contract for yourself, and sign it. You could hang up this contract for all to see!

It is best if you can get one or two others to stop smoking with you. Quitting smoking is a lot like losing weight - easier if done in small groups. If your partner also smokes, it's a wonderful thing for both of you to take the decision to stop together, so that you can go on backing and encouraging each other.