Part 1: Getting Ready for Liftoff

You’ve probably heard a lot of reasons why you should quit, but the best reasons are your own. Making lifestyle changes to fit with your own values and reasons makes your successes more meaningful. It can also be easier to overcome challenges along the way.

You can do this activity at all stages of change, even if you aren’t planning to quit right now or have already quit. If you don’t feel like anything is motivating you right now, that is OK. You can return to this activity in the future. If you have already quit, think about why you want to stay quit.

Here are some common reasons for quitting. Start a ‘Why Quit’ list. If any of these ring true for you, add them to your list.

•  Avoid major health problems in the future

•  Be able to breathe more easily

•  Better circulation, especially to fingers and toes

•  Easier, deeper sleep

•  Good feeling when waking up

•  A younger, brighter, more lively look

•  In order to have surgery (many surgeons require you to quit first)

•  Pregnancy/new baby (as a mother, partner, or grandparent)

•  Keep new home or car clean

•  Be healthier for loved ones

•  Save money

•  Smoking/chewing/vaping no longer fits a current or desired lifestyle

•  Worried about known and unknown long term risks

•  More healthy years with family & friends

•  Pride in accomplishing something you set out to do

•  Freedom from being “owned” by an addiction and a tobacco company

•  Better sense of taste & smell

•  More energy