What worked for me.

[Rigpig]

So this is how I was finally able to motivate myself in to quitting after around 7 years of procrastinating (Yes, I decided to quit 7 years ago!) At the beginning of October I told all 7 people in my office that if I was not completely free from nicotine by the end of November that I would take them all and their partners out for dinner with free drinks included. It took this sort of commitment from me to finally get serious because there was no way I was going to stump up for a bill like that

The benefits as I see them is that it got everyone behind me every working day, I'm the only smoker (was!) but not the only one who has ever smoked so I got a lot of support and along with that it was actually fun with a lot of friendly banter. The fact that everyone knew what I was doing helped a lot as well. Something like this might not be for everyone but it was the final push that I needed to get started and quit.

[Witty41 LONG TERM WINNER]

Hi Rigpig what a great idea to give you that extra push into quitting. I don't think I would want to get stuck with that bill either 😆 it's awesome you have such supportive fellow workers some who by the sounds of it have quit smoking as well. It's great when you have people around who can understand what your going through and offer support and advice. And I see your three weeks in congratulations and keep up the good work.😊

[jillygirl Administrator Queen Bee]

Rigpig, What a brilliant idea. You put yourself into a position where it was almost impossible not to lose. Well done! xx

[Corrina125 LONG TERM WINNER]

Great idea Rigpig, I wouldn't want to stump up either!

[cycling2 1 YEAR WINNER]

Well done Rigpig, that is a great incentive as for sure it would have been an expensive night out

Three weeks smoke free......fabulous.

Best wishes

Sharron

[Polly-PV LONG TERM WINNER]

Love it Rigpig!! You not only set your intent but you got your willingness endorsed by all those 7 people and their plus ones! Genius! Going public like this seems to bring all sorts of factors into play which reinforce your quit....like not wanting to appear a failure in the eyes of others, the shame of it all should you screw up (!) and, on the positive side, being able to dip into that wealth of experience of others who’ve been there, done that. Pretty much like a mini Quit Support team who are purely on your side and rooting for you!! Well, I for one am rooting for you....keep doing what you’re doing and stay strong. Much love, Poll x

[Rigpig 8 MONTH WINNER in reply to Polly-PV]

Thanks Poll, It's definitely over, there is no going back. I'm an ex smoker

[Durcot]

I haven't smoked in 20 years. I stopped with the determination of being tired of what smoking has done to me. So I wiped all the nicotine from all my trucks and my home went and purchased the patch. Between the patch and the will to quit that's what it took for me as I was a 4 packs a day of Camel regulars and a can of Schoal . Everyday . Had to quit, needed to quit for my family. I lost 3 uncles from complications from smoking.

The bad part is now I have sever COPD

and sever ASTHMA .... but I'm glad that I quit that filthy habit and you ans all people should stop smoking.

[PenguinsDontSmoke 6 Years smokefree]

I also found telling people that I planned to quit/had quit was very beneficial. I shied away from telling people at first because I didn't want the pressure from others if I failed. But I quickly realized that was just an excuse to not try my hardest to quit. I told everyone this time, and their encouragement and advice actually really helped keep me on track.

[PenguinsDontSmoke 6 Years smokefree in reply to PenguinsDontSmoke]

Can I just say, would you just LOOK at that lovely badge! Man, that looks good! Sorry, just was so excited I had to share!

[louloubelll LONG TERM WINNER in reply to PenguinsDontSmoke]

Dear Penguins, a huge congratulations to you!😁👑💥❗ one year is awesome❗😁💪

[Polly-PV LONG TERM WINNER in reply to PenguinsDontSmoke]

A YEAR PDS!!! You superstar you!! Much love, Poll x