Alpha Life Style Center

Why you shouldn’t be “trying” to quit smoking.

The word “try,” or any variation thereof is TOXIC when related to quitting smoking. If an individual is only “trying” to quit smoking they still have two options….to quit or not to quit. You see, failing falls under trying, but trying at least satisfies the intelligent minds’ need to make an attempt. You see, most smokers feel uncomfortable if they don’t at least “try” to quit smoking because they know they shouldn’t smoke. A weak attempt to quit smoking allows smokers to check “Try to quit smoking” off of their to-do list and to get it out of their minds, at least temporarily.

There is no accountability with “trying.” At Alpha Life Style Center we hear customers tell us everyday how many times they’ve tried to quit, or how many other different methods they’ve tried. Addiction is complex……a simple word can interfere with success. For example, if you tell a spouse or a roommate that you will try to get to the store after work, and then don’t make it-no big deal, right? After all, you didn’t commit to it. But if you promised that you would get to the store, you’re much less likely to neglect that duty. The same goes for quitting smoking. “Trying to quit” and “quitting” are two VERY different things. If you want to be successful with quitting smoking please understand the disadvantage you face if you are only “trying.”

Obviously the complexities of nicotine addiction go beyond simple words. Trying is a natural approach to quitting smoking….and each attempt is still valuable to your long-term success (see blog “I’ve tried quitting 50 times”). But it is my opinion that recognizing and correcting your words/thoughts can significantly increase your success. Don’t just try to quit, DECIDE to quit! And pay attention to others around you…….this discussion will continue to take on more meaning as you notice how often individuals report “trying” to quit smoking.

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