Stopping Smoking Requires Motivation and Method
It is shocking to realize that as many as 500,000 people will die this year in the United States as a direct result of simply making one bad choice, probably before they were even eighteen years of age. One out of every five deaths in this country each year is directly connected to the results of smoking, which is often portrayed as a seemingly harmless pursuit.
The harsh truth is that smoking is much more than just a "nasty habit." It is a full blown chemical addiction as powerful and controlling of the body as alcohol or heroin. Realizing that your decision to stop smoking may be easier than the actual process, the good news is that success is possible, especially with the right motivation and method.
It is estimated that as many as 34% of current smokers attempt to quit each year on their own. Only about 10% succeed. That's pretty discouraging if you are someone who is contemplating stopping smoking. The good news is that for those who educate themselves, develop a plan, and gather support around them, the success rate jumps to 80-90%.
The fact that there are more ex-smokers than smokers in the United States is proof that many others such as you have found a way out of this life-threatening quicksand. Victory and restored health is possible, regardless of how many years you have been smoking or how many cigarettes a day you now consume.
Motivation is a huge factor in your decision to quit smoking. This is not the time to take on such a big challenge for the sake of someone else. You cannot win if you are changing this significant piece of your daily routine to please your mother, your spouse, your child, your best friend, or even your doctor. This has to be a battle that you will wage and win for yourself and no one else.
Making what might feel like a huge sacrifice for others can feel like deprivation, and that will work against your best efforts, especially if that special person disappoints you after "all you have done for them." It will be too easy to pick up another cigarette and blame them for your failure.No, stopping smoking is about getting your life back in your own control for your own sake. This is the motivation that will help you win.
If you are feeling as though you aren't really as motivated as you need to be in your quest to stop smoking, take some time to educate yourself about the truly harmful effects of this addiction. Are you ready to sign away as much as 13 years of your life for the privilege of spending significant amounts of your income on this pastime?
Have you thought about how painful some of these related deaths can be? Video clips online can let you see real people just like you who have conquered smoking and are enjoying a restored sense of freedom that had been long lost. They are breathing easier and doing more physical activities.
They can smell and taste again, and they know their bodies are healthier and their futures with their families are brighter. Read the stories of others who are successfully working their way back and realize that you can be a success story too.
