This is where things get complicated with quitting.
Just because you want to quit, doesn’t mean you’re ready to.
Just because I want to fly a plane, doesn’t mean I’m ready to.
And having a plane doesn’t solve my problem.
See where I’m going with this?
Feeling “ready” to quit smoking requires that:
- The smoker believes that making the change is worthwhile
- The smoker has confidence in their ability to quit smoking
Most smokers agree that there is a lot to be gained by quitting. (aka that quitting is “worthwhile”).
But few smokers are confident that they will be successful with quitting.
And they go ahead with a quit attempt anyway.
I’m not criticizing that, because you will read below how important the element of “practice” is with quitting.
The problem is that smokers constantly hear that “You have to be ready.”
And then when quitting doesn’t play out perfectly, a sense of hopelessness sets in.
I’m just saying that a lot can be done BEFORE quitting to improve confidence, thereby improving “readiness.”
So the question is “How can smokers gain confidence with quitting?”
The answer: PREPARATION
Thoughtful preparation with quitting smoking involves a variety of things.
Education (Knowledge isn’t just power, it’s also a quit method)
Practice (Research shows smokers will require 6-8 attempts)
Medications (Approved medications double a smokers chance of quitting)
Coaching/Counseling (just 3 minutes improves success rates)
Identifying triggers and relapse prevention techniques
Making sure long-term support is in place to manage a threat or relapse, should one occur.
All these things add up to a Quit Plan.
It’s not sexy or exotic, but it’s effective.
And to overlook planning/preparation for quitting smoking is a big mistake.
I know smokers who feel “ready” to quit, but who aren’t actually ready to quit.
I also know smokers who don’t feel “ready” to quit, but who are well-prepared and have a solid plan in place.
Yes, there are a lot of wild cards.
It’s a complicated situation.
But it doesn’t have to feel as complicated, frustrating and hopeless as most smokers experience it.
Not with proper preparation and planning.
So if you feel “ready” to quit, a good question to ask yourself is “What have you done to acquire that feeling?”
If you don’t have some good answers, it’s a good indication you aren’t really “ready.”
