PART 6: Maintaining Your Course

One Day at a Time vs. “I’ll Never Smoke/Dip Again”

There are two common outlooks in people who have quit. They are:

1. “I am taking this one day at a time—I am not going to use tobacco/nicotine for the next 24 hours, but I am not looking beyond that.”

2. “I have used tobacco for the last time and I will never use it again.”

Either outlook that works for you is fine. In time, most everyone reaches  “I’ll never use again,” and it’s a wonderful feeling of freedom.

However you view this change, let others know you have kicked the habit. By admitting this openly, you will be more likely to resist future urges. In most cases, people will admire you for your efforts and cheer you on.

Of course, there may be some who view your quitting as a threat. It may be that their own failure to quit causes them to tease and tempt you. How do you deal with “saboteurs”? Have an answer ready for them that is assertive, but not aggressive.

When in doubt, keep it simple. “No thanks, I don’t smoke.”

The more you repeat this statement to yourself and others, the more likely your new healthy habit will stick.

Today’s Affirmation:

I chose to quit my own way. I can talk about it my own way too.