When’ve you’ve been a smoker for many years it’s hard to quit. You tell yourself that one day you’re going to be a non-smoker but that day has a never-never land quality. It’s just a tale you tell yourself.
I’ve helped many people quit by helping them change their thinking about what smoking does for them and who they really are. When we know how to change beliefs we can change habits or get on in life when before we were stuck.
The other day I struck up conversation with a young woman who also helps smokers quit. We exchanged notes and agreed that just when you think you’ve seen it all there is always a surpise tale to tell.
Hers was about an elderly man who had been a pilot in the war against Germany. He had not been a smoker when he joined the RAF and after every raid he survived he would give his ration of ciggies to his mates. Then for some reason he decided after a particularly harrowing night flight that he’d have one of these cigarettes for himself.
He was in a state of shock and he didn’t realise. When you are traumatised the action of smoking locks into your consciousness and you became hooked.
Then like most smokers although he tried many times to quit he always returned to the habit, feeling unimpressed at his lack of will power.
He was in his late 70s when he met my friend. She persuaded him that it was worth giving it another go. This time it worked and now at over 90 years old he is a proud non smoker and helps many others give up.
My wise friend gave him very simple instructions to ensure success.
And that was to take one day at a time. Just make it through one day, not to worry about tomorrow or next week or next month. Concentrate the effort on getting through the day and let tomorrow take care of itself.
How could you use that premise to help you make a change?

Curious as to whether you’re really ready to quit? Take this self assessment and find out.