Many smokers smoke because they love it. Smoking makes them feel good. Do you know the reasons why you enjoy smoking?

Before you can successfully quit, you need to know why you enjoy smoking so much. Smoking must be enhancing your life in some way for you to continue to indulge in a habit that you know is unhealthy. Do you like the feel of the cigarette in your hand? Does smoking give you some sense of confidence? Do you think it helps you deal with stress?

Think of the reasons why you like to smoke. Come up with as many as you can.

Understand that when you quit smoking, you don't need to say goodbye to the good things you associate with smoking. You simply need to find a different way to achieve the same results.

For example, if smoking helps you manage your weight, you'll need to find other ways to control your weight after you quit. (The fear of weight gain is one reason many smokers put off trying to quit. However, from a health perspective, it's better to weigh a few extra pounds than to keep smoking.) Perhaps there's a sport you enjoy, such as swimming or running, that can help you manage your weight in a healthier way than smoking.

If you are like most smokers, you probably reach for a cigarette without even thinking about it. Evaluating the reasons why you like to smoke can help you decide if now is a good time for you to quit.