We are simply told "just stop". Stop smoking that is. If only it were that easy right? But the fact of the matter is that both psychological changes and psychological issues play a role in any program to stop smoking. It is not even easy for the most determined of people to flip a switch and stop smoking.
However, the commitment to quit has to be part of any program. On average, only 6% will be successful in quitting during their first attempt. Finding the willpower to make the decision a permanent thing is the key to success.
We all make small choices in any area of life. However, the big choices are rarely a matter of snapping the mental fingers and opting for a course of action. More thought and effort than that is needed. It is those twin helpers that are the link between willpower and achievement.
One of the major factors as to why people smoke is stress. And we all know that stress keeps on coming year after year. Something happens in our lives and we feel stress, therefore reaching for a cigarette to restore calm.
It is possible to interrupt that journey at several points along that moving train of events.
Begin slowly. Search for those times when reaching for a cigarette is just down to habit. The first thing you do in the morning is reach for a cigarette. If this is the case, then put them out of the way and exert willpower so as not to get them.
Delay your after dinner cigarette for a few minutes more to begin with and then longer and longer. It is these small victories that will reduce the quantity of cigarettes that you smoke every day and strengthen your willpower.
As your control over impulses is better gained, your self-confidence will grow. You will feel in control. This will reinforce the feeling of willpower, and you can direct events rather than them directing you.
The next thing to look at is the long term plan. Select a day to stop smoking. Estimate what date you will run out of cigarettes. Remind yourself of the high price of cigarettes, not only in dollars, but also health wise, and prevent yourself from buying anymore.
The first two weeks will be hard, which will make the largest demands on your willpower. The cravings will also be at their strongest during this time. The chemical changes that take place in your body will adjust to lower levels of dopamine, therefore flushing smoke ingredient-created compounds out of your body which will create an urge to resume.
Think of the long term consequences in order to help yourself. Keep photos of diseased lungs around the house and remember the times when you were short of breath when walking up a hill. Assist your willpower in every way possible.
Sticking to the plan for life is what follows next. This is the really hard part. Willpower not only selects an action today, but directs your life towards a better horizon.
Life is full of uncertainties and any event such as job loss, divorce, relocation, prolonged sickness, etc. could adversely affect us. The financial repercussions of such unfortunate events may force you into a situation where you are unable to make your monthly homeloan repayments. If you are a victim of such unfortunate circumstances, and have already missed three or more months of homeloan repayment, you could be faced with a foreclosure on your home. Before things go this far, let's take a look at a few precautions to help you prevent a foreclosure.
Don't take a second mortgage or equity line of credit: If you have equity on your home you may qualify for a second mortgage or equity line of credit in order to consolidate bills. No doubt, this will momentarily improve your financial situation in an emergency, but don't forget that you are foolishly incurring greater indebtedness. Never add to your existing debt unless you have an effective plan for meeting these new obligations during your depleted financial phase.
Don't create a record of unexplained chronic late payments: Lenders foreclose only as a last resort to limiting further losses on a defaulted loan, as foreclosures cost them more than it can compensate. No wonder, when homeowners fall behind on payments, lenders take the initiative to work with them to bring the loan current. However, your lender's willingness to help you out with your current problems will depend considerably on your past payment records. If you have been consistently making timely payments without any serious defaults your lender will be more than willing to cooperate and help your tide over your present crisis. Therefore, it is crucial that you don't create a record of unexplained late payments. Always stay in communication with your lender about your financial situation.
Don't think of leaving your home: The prospect of foreclosure is such a trauma that many homeowners overreact by deciding to just pack up and leave. Vow and resolve to face up to this problem head on rather than thinking of running away. Such determination is crucial to stop mortgage foreclosure before it happens. You must realize that there exists several effective ways to stop mortgage foreclosure. Remember, once you fail to stop mortgage foreclosure, this will always be reflected in your credit record. On the other hand, if you succeed in stopping mortgage foreclosure, not only will you be able to keep your home but also have a positive credit rating for future.
Don't hide your financial facts from your lender: If you find it difficult to make your regular mortgage payments, communicate this to your lender at the earliest. With their cooperation you may qualify for assistance. For instance, there may be another loan better suited to your needs. They may help you out with a special repayment plans, temporary suspension of mortgage payments, mortgage modification, etc. All this will depend upon how transparent you are with your lender about your financial status, which you can substantiate by furnishing complete proof of your income, expenses, and debt.
It is never too late to start taking precautions. Your home is precious to you, so don't let any opportunity slip by to improve your finances, rather than face the ugly prospect of a foreclosure.
Both Carol Stack & Kim And Charles Petty are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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