For some people, it's the hardest thing in the world to achieve. Yet anybody can stop smoking right now, and instantly change from a smoker to non-smoker. And it needn't cost you a penny. Here's how...
Don't quit unless you really want to
To successfully quit smoking for good, it's essential that you really want to stop. You must want to give up for your own sake, and understand why you're quitting.
If you're quitting because your spouse wants you to, or for some other reason, it's essential that you carefully examine your own motivation to stop. Do you personally want to quit for your own sake? Or would you carry on smoking if left to your own devices?
It's an interesting question, isn't it? I strongly recommend you find selfish reasons to quit, so you don't end up resenting another person for 'making you quit'.
Take a positive view
Rather than focus on giving up, instead focus on what you gain. Turn the entire conversation around. You're not quitting, but gaining health. Or a longer life. Or extra money.
The things you gain by stopping must be deeply personal. They'll almost certainly tie into the reasons why you're quitting. The more you understand why you're giving up, the easier it will be to take a positive view.
If you can't think of anything compelling that you gain by quitting, it's worth re-examining your reasons for stopping. Do you really want to stop smoking?
Declare yourself a non-smoker
Ask yourself whether you want to be a smoker or a non-smoker? If the answer is 'non-smoker', simply declare yourself to be a non-smoker. Then act the way a non-smoker does.
A non-smoker doesn't buy cigarettes, or keep smoking paraphernalia around the house. A non-smoker isn't in the process of quitting. A non-smoker is someone who doesn't smoke. Period.
Declare yourself to be a non-smoker. If somebody asks whether or not you smoke, or offers you a cigarette, simply explain that you're a non-smoker. Don't say that you're giving up smoking. That implies you're still a smoker.
Plan ahead
Make sure you're ready for those times when you're most tempted to start smoking again, and have a plan of action. That is, something you will do instead of smoking.
For example, if you normally smoke with a meal have an alternative ready.
If your alternative is a food item, make sure it's low in calories. This will help protect you from weight gain.
Get help
In most countries around the world, there is plenty of free help available to help you stop smoking. For example, here in the UK you can take advantage of the NHS Quit Kit.
You can mitigate the physical effects of withdrawal with patches or gum. In most countries you get these at your local pharmacy.
Your Doctor may also be able to help.
Another excellent service I've found is offered by Chartered Psychotherapist Graham Price. His program uses a powerful combination of proven therapies that work together to help you kick the habit for good. Even better, he offers a money-back guarantee and has (to date) a 100% success rate.