you have won a decisive battle which will lead you to eventual victory

So if you gave up smoking on New Year's Eve you have now quit smoking for a week! This week has probably gone extremely slowly but you are almost certainly feeling much better now than you did a week ago both physically and psychologically. While the war is far from over you have definitely won a decisive battle which will lead you to eventual victory if you persevere.

The first thing to remember is not to let your guard down. Be extremely vigilant because the enemy is everywhere! Watch out for those smoking triggers that will penetrate your strongest armour. It might be a simple drink at the pub with a smoking friend, a coffee after work or an argument with somebody close to you which will make you have 'just the one'!

Quitting smoking will get easier over time but the temptation to light up will always be extremely strong for the first few months. It is so simple to throw it all away in a rash moment which you will regret bitterly. If the temptation is great just walk away, don't linger thinking about cigarettes but just walk out of the temptation zone and if necessary go home. Focus on your achievements so far, remind yourself why you gave up smoking in the first instance, think of terrible illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease and remember how much cash you are saving.

Some people who have quit smoking for years till say that sometimes they get an extremely strong urge to light up again and you should think of yourself in the same way as an alcoholic does when they stop drinking. You will always be a smoker deep inside if you have been properly addicted and therefore you should count the days, weeks, months and years that you have been smoke free and proudly announce them to all who care to listen.