Have you ever observed smokers after they have finished a meal - or if they are in a pub drinking? 

After the meal, they will automatically smoke a cigarette, without even thinking about it. Next time you are in a restaurant........ observe them closely.

The vast majority of them are unconscious of what they are doing. 

They have been doing it for so long now that it has become an almost unconscious action pattern. They have learnt to relieve their withdrawal pangs especially at these times.

In our psychology of non-smoking, we refer to these occasions as 'trigger mechanisms'.

We have all linked certain events of our day with the act of smoking.

So much so that even the mere thought of not been able to smoke at these times will fill us with dread.

My own trigger mechanisms were having a drink in the pub and, of course the old favorite - relaxing after a meal. 

I also found that if I had a difficult problem to solve, or something to worry about -- this could also trigger an unconscious desire to smoke.

It was at these times that I had to face........ my psychological addictions.

KEY IDEA

It is these occasions that cause most people to fail - to succumb to temptation.

They are the dangerous times. 

For the first six months, we must be especially AWARE of them.

Be patient with yourself. 

How long have you been smoking? 5 years? 10 years? 20 years?

That means you have spent all that time telling your subconscious all those lies about smoking.

So don't be worried or upset if the subconscious mind continues to prompt you, especially at those trigger occasions to smoke.

KEY IDEA

An emotional need for comfort, security or a desire to relieve boredom or tension may trigger 'I need a cigarette'. Your cigarette has become emotional prop, a crutch - a false companion.

May I give you an example to illustrate more clearly this concept of what a 'trigger mechanism' is ?

Imagine you visit a country that drives on the opposite side of the road than you normally do. 

For the first few days, you have to consciously remind yourself of this new reality - don't you ? 

Because the subconscious mind is used to doing things in a certain way when you get into your car, you will automatically drive your normal way. 

You must TAKE TIME to consciously remind yourself of the new way and after a time, it too will become automatic. You won't have to remind yourself.

Likewise after a meal, in a pub or if someone offers you a cigarette - unless you constantly remind yourself that you are now a non-smoker - you will feel a subconscious desire to smoke. 

You must begin at once to counter this brainwashing.

Like the example of our driver, just gently remind yourself of the new reality - you don't NEED that cigarette.

It is nothing - just dead lifeless material. 

Relax. Don't allow yourself to feel empty. In fact, feel like rejoicing. You are free.

Watch the people who are still smoking. Watch them carefully and you will realize that most of them are actually unconscious of what they are doing.

And never forget that all these people are smoking - not because they want to - BUT BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO. 

They are addicted to nicotine and they have fallen prey to the illusion that it is essential to their daily happiness and well-being. Deep down they also believe they will have to face untold agony if they try to stop.

So don't think it is unfair that they can smoke and you can't. 

In fact, you should feel pity for them and rejoice in your own freedom.

But remember whether the craving is caused by the chemical addiction or prompted by a trigger mechanism - don't worry about it - just accept it as a temporary phenomena that will soon pass. Treat it as game.

Yes, you will feel a slight trauma in your body as it attempts to get rid of this terrible addiction, but remember something GREAT is happening.

In three weeks time, 99% of the nicotine will have left your body and you will no longer be physically addicted. 

Your health will be transformed and you will literally change the course of your life - not to mention the thousands of dollars you will save every year.

In the next lesson, I want to answer some of the most common questions and worries that you might  have as you prepare yourself make that final decision:

I AM  NOW A NON-SMOKER.