Let me make no mistakes here.
This will be an attempt who's serial number might touch 4 digits. I might be exaggerating, but it does seem so. I don't remember smoking more than 3 cigarettes without "That's it this is my last cigarette".
If you consider this to be an attempt, something which lasted 15 minutes, then yes, I'm quite sure my number of quit attempts is officially in 4 digits strong.
What all have I done ?
Cold Turkey : "That's it .. not one more puff".
Taper off (size version): I actually cut my cigarettes in sizes, and smoked in a decreasing order. I thought that was quite smart, but unfortunately, so is my addiction.
Taper off (timed version): I kept a time to smoke, and gradually increased the gaps between my smokes. Thought I'd "nailed-it" finally, only to understand the true nature of an urge in the middle of an "workplace-emergency" and the absolute amnesia about "quitting","we're keeping a time", and even "there's a watch on my hand" it can produce.
Zen approach: Don't try to fight the cigarette, just be aware. Sounds good. Actually started working a bit. You find yourself smoking lesser and feeling lesser cravings. But didn't have the patience, as you succumb to guilt and "Am I fooling myself by going so easy" mentality.
The Cessation: Actually paid $600 to a doctor to help me quit. Put me on a program of nicotine patches. Worked great! Never touched a cigarette again !! For 2 weeks.
Now,
What am I doing now, that is so different?
I'm giving my word.
And quitting, just because I've given my word that I will.
No health reasons, no cancer risks, no great promises of good health and skin.
Giving your word to yourself, and keeping it.
The declaration: I, Chetan Kumar, declare that I will never touch a cigarette again in my life.
