The first thing that is helpful is to dispel the common myth that the best way to quit smoking is cold turkey; it is not. You do not have to go it alone, there are many smoking cessation aids out there for you to try, and you just need to find one that suits you.

When I gave up smoking in 2004 I had tried several times before, but did not have much success. I then embarked on a 5 step preparation and planning approach and it worked. If you follow my 5 steps to quitting smoking, you could have a healthier New Year.

Step One. Why Do You Want To Quit?

Being able to quit smoking is something that many smokers wish for and deciding to quit smoking is the one decision that only you can make.

The key to quitting smoking is understanding the process:-write down all of the reasons why you smoke, how you got into it, your understanding of what smoking does to your body and what happens when you stop.

Step Two. Prepare Yourself.

Believe that you can quit. Write down when you smoke and why? What triggers your need to smoke? How are you going to break the habit? Make a plan to avoid the habitual routines of when and where you smoke, particularly in the first couple of weeks. Find all of your smoking accessories and throw them away so as to avoid temptation, believe me the first few weeks are very hard and you want to avoid the temptation of just having the one.

Step Three. Plan On How You Are Going To Quit.

The first and most important step that a person can take to quit smoking is to decide to stop. Being as clear as possible about why you want to quit smoking is very important to how much success you will have in quitting. Decide on a quit date and stick to it.

Set yourself milestones and plan a reward.

Step Four. Get Help and Support From Family, Friends & Your Doctor.

You do not have to go it alone. Ask family, friends and work colleagues for positive encouragement. Visit your Medical Practitioner,there are lots of smoking cessation aids out there, you just need to find the one that suits you.

Step Five. Visualize Yourself as a non smoker.

In the office while your colleague is stood out in the pouring rain or having a candlelit dinner and not leaving the table to have a cigarette in between courses or sitting all the way through a movie without having to pop out to have a smoke.

The decision to quit smoking is one of the most positive decisions you and only you can make. In the early days, try to avoid situations where you would normally have a cigarette, for example when out with friends, having a glass of wine, meal times and when feeling stressed because these triggers could set you back on the road to becoming a smoker again.