2. You must be motivated. Ask yourself on a scale of 1 - 10 (Ten being the most) how motivated you are? If you are not at least a 7, you are not ready. If you are not quite ready, write a list of the reasons you want to quit, and put it on a bulletin board. Also, write down all the health risks involved with from smoking (Smoking-related diseases claim an estimated 430,700 American lives each year, cigarette smoke contains over 4,800 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer, about 8.6 million people in the U.S. have at least one serious illness caused by smoking.) Source: American Lung Association

3. Create a Plan. Choose an date and write it down on your calendar. It is helpful if the date you choose is a special day, like a birthday or anniversary. Make an appointment with a local Certified Hypnotist. Each day before your Quit Date, write in your calendar (__ days till I quit smoking), mentally prepare yourself that you will be quitting on that day. Like many thousands before you, choose a safe and natural method to quit smoking. Hypnosis is the most effective method according to MedScape Medical News. Plan to have water, gum, and healthy foods to offset your smoking triggers. Find a support group, friend, or a quit buddy who you can share your experience with.

4. Work with a local Certified Hypnotist on the day of your Quit Date. Show up for your appointment. Throw away all your cigarettes, ashtrays, any other related paraphernalia. Listen to your Hypnosis CD at least once day for a few weeks. Hypnosis will help you with your triggers, and give you tools to help you reinforce your decision to quit.

5. Make a list of all your triggers. I smoked when I felt, bored, stressed, with coffee, after a meal, in my car etc.. Make a second list of all the activities you will do instead of smoking. Healthy dis-tractors like reading a book, going for a walk, working in your garden, taking a deep breath, chewing gum, lifting weights, riding a bike, listening to music, drinking water.

6. Use Daily Affirmation and place in on your fridge, mirror, or at your desk. Say them to yourself 10 times each morning, afternoon, and evening. I am Happy, Healthy, and smoke-free, Everyday I choose to breathe fresh air into my lungs. Today I am a proud and healthy non-smoker.

7. Tell a Spouse, Friend, or co-worker that will hold you accountable If you are held accountable by someone else it may help you to quit. Signing a contract, may make it more official. Find a support group locally or online.

8. Daily Exercise. If you do not currently have an exercise regiment, start off by walking 10 minutes each day. This will help you release any daily stress.

9. In the beginning, reward your self each day with with a healthy and safe reward. Some inexpensive reward ideas are flowers, a book, and an apple.

10. Don't give up! This is one of the best decisions you have made in your life. 1000's of people do it everyday, you are no different. Write a list of the reasons you quit, and the benefits you enjoy from being a non-smoker, and keep them with you at all times in your wallet or purse.

Darren Hiller is a Certified Hypnotist and Stop Smoking Hypnosis Expert in Dallas,TX www.darrenhiller.com