Overcoming 20 Years of Smoking Habits: My Journey to Quitting

It has been almost a year since I quit smoking—quite the journey after more than two decades of daily nicotine intake. My story is one of personal determination and perseverance, proving that quitting smoking is possible regardless of duration.

Creating the Right Mindset

Smoking became a deeply ingrained habit, starting as early as my junior year in high school. Despite external pressures and peer influences, I chose to smoke and later to quit on my own terms. The first and most important step in quitting smoking is establishing the mindset that you want to quit. This intention needs to be ingrained in your subconscious mind, even while you are engaged in the activity of smoking. I began by writing daily affirmations to myself, stating my resolve to stop smoking.

Setting a Quit Date and Making Multiple Attempts

The road to quitting was not a sprint but a marathon. Initially, I set a quit date for after one week, only to fall short. Over time, I realized that multiple attempts are part of the process. Even though these efforts did not result in a permanent change immediately, they laid a foundation for a deeper understanding of my desire to quit. I took a break from smoking for 10 days each time, which unknowingly helped my subconscious recognize the need to quit. The process was akin to preparing for an exam, multiple attempts leading to eventual success.

Additional Strategies to Resist Temptation

Using Ginger and Pepper

To resist the urge to smoke, I would keep ginger and pepper in my mouth. This simple technique helped me go longer periods without smoking and even several days at a time. The visuals, tastes, and aromas of these spices served as a deterrent to my smoking habit.

Daily Affirmations

Every morning, I would write down my intention to quit smoking. Prayer and positive affirmations reinforced my commitment and kept me focused on my goal. This daily ritual was crucial in uplifting my spirits and maintaining my resolve.

Celebrating Small Milestones

Every small victory was celebrated. Whether it was not smoking for a few hours or a few days, each milestone was an achievement. Postitivity and self-reinforcement played a significant role in my journey. Moving from smoking 40 cigarettes a day to zero cigarettes on a single day was a monumental achievement.

Motivation from Family and Responsibility

A major motivating factor was my three-year-old daughter. Thoughts of her wellbeing and the impact of my health on her future constantly troubled me. My wife frequently reminded me of this, emphasizing the importance of being present for our family.

Additionally, I felt a sense of responsibility towards my employees and franchise partners. These people were like family to me, and there was a personal duty to ensure their wellbeing.

Passion for My Business

Quitting smoking was not just about personal health but also achieving my business goals. I am passionate about my business, and I recognized the importance of being in peak health to work effectively. My business requires hard work and effort, and I realized that not smoking would give me more energy and focus towards achieving my business objectives.

What Didn't Help Me Quit Smoking

Dependence on Nicotine Gum

Uncontrolled use of nicotine gum led to higher nicotine consumption overall. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as gum are meant to help wean you off nicotine gradually. However, if not used as directed, they can inadvertently create a new form of dependence.

Dual Use: Nicotine Gum and Cigarettes

Simultaneously using nicotine gum and cigarettes can be counterproductive. This occurs when the craving for nicotine is not fully satisfied by the gum alone, or if the habit of smoking is not addressed alongside the physical addiction.

My journey to quitting smoking was one of introspection, understanding, and resilience. Quitting after 20 years of smoking was a challenging but profoundly rewarding experience. For heavy smokers looking to quit, remember that it's never too late to make a change. Every step towards quitting is a step towards a healthier life. Stay strong, seek support, and never give up. You can do it!