A quit journal is a powerful tool that can help you reinforce your resolve to stop smoking. Consider making the first entry in your journal a list of the reasons you have to quit smoking. From the largest, most obvious reasons to the smallest, each and every one counts. Carry a copy of your list with you so that you can add to it as additional reasons come to mind. Think about the pros and cons of smoking as you compose your list, and refer to it when you're feeling tempted to smoke. When I quit smoking, I made a short entry in my journal at the end of every day. I jotted down a few notes about how I felt and made sure to acknowledge my gratitude for completing the day smoke-free.
When I struggled with cravings to smoke, I was able to quickly gain perspective by looking back through those journal entries. It allowed me to see just how much progress I'd made since quitting and helped me shift my attitude from negative to positive.
Your quit journal will help you lay the foundation for successful smoking cessation. Use it to get your thoughts moving in the right direction. Once you do that, making good choices and taking appropriate actions will come more easily.
View the original article here
