I have learned that no matter what method you use to quit smoking, if your commitment is not 100% you are setting yourself up to fail.
I hit a major hurdle on Day Five (a week ago) when I realised my commitment to becoming a non-smoker was not what it should be. I actually made a major mistake on Day Three when I stopped keeping a record of every cigarette smoked in the “smoking diary”. The creator of Think Quit, Mark Stephens, has consistently said this is the one thing you should not do. I chose to ignore that warning and as a consequence, I’ll have to start all over again at Day One.
If your commitment to becoming a non-smoker is any less than total, you may also find it difficult to complete the “smoking diary” each day and if this is the case, then like me you’ll have to renew your commitment and start all over again at Day One.
If you’re not familiar with the Think Quit Program, you’re probably wondering what is this “smoking diary” she keeps referring to? For seven days you are required to note down every cigarette you smoke in the “smoking diary” which is included in the Think Quit book and with the Think Quit MP4 Player. For every cigarette you smoke, you have to write down the time, the trigger, how you felt before it and how you felt after it. You also have to note down a replacement strategy for every cigarette smoked. Where I came unstuck is the “feelings before” and “feelings after” columns. Whenever someone asks me ‘how does that make you feel’ my mind draws a complete blank.
It was in an attempt to disconnect from my feelings that I started smoking in the first place. When I started smoking regularly at 20 years of age, I didn’t want to ‘feel’ anything but numb and I was convinced smoking helped me to achieve this aim. It sounds crazy to me now, but I actually thought I could disconnect from my emotions by smoking a cigarette. But I’m beginning to realise this belief and the other beliefs I have about smoking are just a pack of lies.
Mark Stephens says the belief that a cigarette reduces stress is just a myth. What smoking does is that it provides us with a welcome distraction when we’re feeling bored, anxious, stressed, or whatever.
A man whose work I greatly admire, the author and psychiatrist M. Scott Peck said: “smoking takes the edge off consciousness”. But it doesn’t really, it just shifts your focus elsewhere. Smoking also forces us to concentrate on our breathing and to breath more deeply and this is why most quit smoking programs also include deep-breathing exercises.
Mark says that if you stop filling out the “smoking diary” you need to go back and start over at Day One of the Think Quit Program. So that’s what I’m going to do – start over at Day One and complete the “smoking diary” as recommended.
I spent yesterday re-reading the first ten chapters of the Think Quit book and listening to the audio introduction sessions on the Think Quit MP4 Player. I’ve renewed my commitment to the successfully completing the program and being a non-smoker – and now I’m ready to begin again at Day One.
Related Posts:
Think Quit: smoke free forever by Mark Stephens is published by Allen & Unwin and is available now at book retailers across Australia (RRP $24.99). ‘Think Quit’ will be released in the United States in June 2010.
YOU CAN BUY THIS BOOK ONLINE AT:
Amazon.com – release date June 2010
Print This Article
I have been a non-smoker since October last year. Was a 35-40 smoker a day, been smoking since I was 15 years old now 49.
Used Champix to give up the habit. First attempt. Amazed at the result. Not suggesting it was easy or still is or that I was not committed to giving up, but just amazed and proud that I have achieved kicking the nicotine habit.
During the first month of using Champix I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and My mother with Ovarian Cancer. I had the cancer removed and treatment and I am now free of cancer, unfortunately my mother had agressive ovarian cancer and died just 3 months later. This period was a very stressful time in my life but I still managed to not have a cigarette.
The drug Champix is not without side affects, the main one I disliked was the dreams and the feeling of living them out, I felt like I was another person during this time, alcohol also can make this feeling intensified, so be careful with the consumption.
I am feeling very lucky and healthy and intend to carry on this way by never smoking again.
I quit smoking 4 weeks ago after a 35 year habit.
My previous attempts were following one scheme or another. This time just cold turkey. Quit in the afternoon so the first day was short one. Seemed to help. Since the 3rd day it has been annoying but not impossible. Easier than I thought and wish I never wasted my time with gums, patches and whatever before. Cold turkey quicker and final. Every time I want o go outside for a cigarette I weed instand. The garden looks great and it helps with the weight gain.
Hi Leisa
It’s great to have kindred spirit who is also fighting the dreaded nicotine monster. I was beginning to feel so isolated, like I was battling this addiction on my own. Thanks for letting me know that I’m not alone, Leisa.
I am there with you Deb – this is my 4th attempt in two years and I think this time my mind has recognised that I am no longer a smoker. It’s pretty empowering “knowing” I’m fighting the dreaded nicotine monster successfully at long last!
As always, thanks for your support Tania – you’re such a good egg
We got your back, Deb. What an incredible process you are going through, and as you say – it’s about so much more than the smoking. You are amazing to share all this. Stay strong.