Why are goals important for successful quitting?

Quitting smoking is usually a profound lifestyle change, and it can affect every area of your daily activities and relationships. This can be mildly or severely disorienting when you are trying to learn new things to do with your time, your hands, your stress, your excitement, and your money. Setting goals can help you feel more grounded and focused as you go through the quitting process. They are like the ruder on a ship, or the steering wheel on your car. They help us to set a course to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Goals are the psychological and spiritual map of our life. They take us from the present to a desirable future. You would not want to take a long trip without a map, nor do you want to live your life without some direction. As the old saying goes, "if you don't know where you're going, you will probably get there!"

Goals tell our intelligent mind what we want and where we want to be headed so that we can begin to scan and filter the environment for opportunities to fulfill them. They put us in the driver's seat of our lives. They help us to focus our attention and energy. Your goals are your heart's desires, and no goal is too big or too small. They should reflect your interests, caring, passions, and enjoyment. When you quit, becoming an ex-smoker should be a priority goal at that time.

Setting goals for the various areas of your life is an important part of your preparations to quit smoking. Envision yourself healthy, smoke-free, successful, fulfilled and happy, and then base your goals on this vision. Writing goals helps to "materialize thought" and give you direction and a map for your life and your actions. They help you to prioritize between the important and unimportant in your life. Conceptualize your goals in a positive manner. Word them positively, as if they are going to really happen; focus on what you want, and not on what you do not want.

It is helpful to maintain three lists of goals for your physical health, your personal affairs and relationships, and your schooling or career. These goals are not written in concrete, and they can be revised or changed any time you desire. Be sure to keep your three goal lists where you can read them often. By reviewing your goals often, you will stay focused on important priorities and open to opportunities to accomplish them. Goals are not fantasies; they represent activities or things that you really want, or would like, to achieve. If you have a goal that you think may be unrealistic, tell yourself that it will be achieved "from an unexpected source." You will be surprised to see the magic that can occur in your life when you affirm the possibility of your heart's desire. Also, remember to be patient. Some goals may take years to accomplish, so do not give up just because they are taking time to work out. For many years, I had a goal to "create a meaningful, enjoyable, and lucrative home-based business" on my list for my business affairs. I had no idea what my home-based business would be. Because this was an important goal for me, I was able to perceive and take opportunities that eventually lead me to my present work. Although it took almost eight years to evolve, I now work at home on the Internet, and I have more time for my family and myself!

After you have completed your three lists of goals, find one or two that can be accomplished in the next two or three months. Do not flood your life by trying to change or accomplish too many things at the same time. Too much change at the same time usually creates stress, and often leads to a failure to reach your goals. Be sure to reward yourself when you succeed in accomplishing a goal! You deserve it! By starting daily and weekly small steps toward a healthier and more positive lifestyle, you will become a successful ex-smoker and a more fulfilled person!