Many who are smoking now are planning to quit at some point. In fact, they may be able to envision that time, and just how their life will be different when they quit smoking (i.e., family will no longer be bugging them to quit, they will have some extra money, they will no longer smell of smoke, etc.)
However, building motivation for any health behavior change is hard. After all, we are talking about changing the very way we go through our daily life. So, what will it take for us to get over that “hump” of indecision?
Throughout life, we are continually making decisions (i.e., choosing one path over another). For example, we may have made such choices as a certain career, getting married, starting a family, or moving to another state. And, in each case, we were not only deciding in favor of something, but we were also deciding against something else.
Consider the example of wanting to lose weight. The indecision, or even delay, of embarking on such a health behavior goal as this demands first, and foremost, that we choose a different path. The impetus for this may be awareness of how those extra pounds are impacting our life. Perhaps, we are finding that our pants are too tight, or that we are getting more winded running to the bus stop. We may be beginning to see that the current path is not really serving our needs best. We know the health risks that being overweight can bring. And the risk of indecision about this issue could become quite costly physically for us in the future.
Similarly, what risks to our health we are taking if we continue to smoke?
The risk of future health issues is certainly always there. Although, for some of you those concerns may seem quite distant or far away.
However, indecision about quitting tobacco use is really a decision, isn’t it? As you continue to use tobacco, you are laying the foundation for multiple risks to your health in the future. Those “golden years” may not be quite so wonderful if you are struggling to breath while trying to have fun with your grandchildren. And that dream retirement trip to Europe you have been saving for may prove to be more physically demanding that you are able to do anymore.
So, indecision really is a decision. If you continue to smoke, you are choosing the cigarette over all the other plans you have for your future.
Your body is where you live. Everything you do is made possible by, and depends on, your physical body. And if you risk the health of your body, you are gambling with your future.
Indecision is a decision…make the decision to protect your future and make a plan to quit smoking today!
What is your tobacco use today deciding about your tomorrow?
Barb Dallavalle, MA, LP
NDC Counselor/CTTS
Sign Photo by Kyle Glenn
Letter Blocks Photo by Brett Jordan
