Self-Belief Booster: “I Choose Not to Smoke”
At the start of your quit attempt, it’s common to feel as though you’re denying yourself some kind of reward or ‘coping tool’, especially when you see other people smoke and you get a craving.
For example, say you’ve had a stressful day at work or are at a social event. You see someone outside enjoying their cigarette to relieve their stress or enjoy the event. You’re likely to think “I want what they have!”.
But here’s the trick: Instead of viewing this as denying yourself a reward by saying “I can’t smoke”, why not see it as your choice to NOT smoke? In other words, the cigarette is still there for you to have…but now, you are choosing not to smoke.
Willpower Exercise: Self-Belief Booster
Close your eyes and picture a typical scene where you might be around other smokers. Maybe at a party, or after a stressful day at work?
You see someone else smoking. Suddenly you get a strong craving.
Now, say the following in your mind:
I might feel like a cigarette, but I choose not to smoke. Now I’ve quit, I have the freedom to choose. The person smoking is addicted and doesn’t have a choice. So I’m in control and the smoker isn’t.
After telling yourself this, you won’t feel as though you’re missing out.
You can practice this exercise at any time to reinforce the thought that you are a non-smoker.
Once you feel you have the willpower to start your quit attempt, it’s a good idea to combine your mental strength with an evidence-based quit method. Learn more about different quit smoking strategies.