The Five Stages Of Change ~

I've tried quitting before, but it didn't work. Why not?

I've asked myself that very question so many times ... of course the answer was simply the lack of perseverance or will power. To quit smoking, one must be ready emotionally and mentally.

Some people are more ready to quit than others. Here are five stages of change that most people go through to successfully quit smoking.

Stage One:
Pre-contemplation. You don't want to quit smoking, but you may try to quit because you feel pressured to quit.

Stage Two:
Contemplation. You want to quit someday. You haven't taken steps to quit, but you want to quit.

Stage Three:
Preparation. You take small steps to quit such as cutting back on smoking or switching to a lighter brand.

Stage Four:
Action. You put a plan for quitting into action. You make changes in your actions and environment to help cope with urges to smoke. You cope with urges to smoke by following the plan and remain smoke-free for six months.

Stage Five:
Maintenance. You have not smoked for one year.

Now, after so many attempts at quitting, for the first time I have reached the fifth step -- Maintenance. It feels great! My goal now is not only to maintain by smoke free living but hopefully assist a few others along the way.

Remember:
Smoking again (relapse) is common. In fact, 75% of those who quit will smoke again. Most smokers try to quit three times before being successful.