If at First You Don’t Succeed
It can be easy to underestimate the effort it takes to change a habit. In truth, many behaviors have a way of becoming second nature. Often, it takes many attempts to let go of unhealthy habits.
Smoking is a good example. On average, smokers try to quit two to four times before they can give up cigarettes for good. "It’s not about being weak," says Kristin Homze, R.N., B.S.N., of the American Lung Association. "Smoking is an addiction. It’s one of the hardest things to give up." If you’ve tried to quit smoking before and want to try again, you probably know it won’t be easy. You may have suffered from withdrawal, including headaches, irritability and trouble sleeping the last time you quit.
Many people have successfully given up cigarettes. However, most people have to try to quit more than once. As you look ahead to your next attempt, keep some strategies in mind: learn, prepare and stay positive.
1. Learn from your experience. You tried to quit, but for some reason, you lit up again. If you think back on what happened, you can learn from it. For example, stress makes it harder not to smoke, and quitting is stressful. Believe it or not, this knowledge puts you at an advantage. Now you won’t fool yourself into thinking that quitting will be easy. Having a realistic idea of what you’re in for puts you in a better position for success.
2. Prepare for your next attempt. You know from past experience that smoking, no matter how bad for you, is not easy to give up. Friends and family members often make it even harder if they continue to smoke around you or offer you cigarettes. What will you do? Perhaps you’ll need to avoid people who smoke for a while. Preparing yourself for triggers such as bad days and your smoking friends can help ward off the most potent temptations.
3. Focus on the positive. It’s wonderful if you achieve your goal and never smoke another cigarette. But if you do light up, you don’t have to admit defeat. Homze tells people to focus on their successes. "If you quit smoking for a week, you can do it again," she says.
Changing any behavior, especially one that involves addiction, is not easy. If your first attempt doesn’t go as planned, what you’ve learned from the experience can put you in a good position to try again. The important thing is to not give up!
Back to Top
