Before you quit smoking, you have to be mentally ready. It is meaningless to start the smoking cessation, if you are not ready for it. While you mentally prepare yourself, make sure to take appropriate action against the physical withdrawal symptoms that come because of the lack of nicotine. If you really have the willpower, it is possible to stop smoking without any help; but if you are like most people, you will probably need some help. Today there are a number of nicotine products (e.g. from Nicorette and Nicotinell), which can remove the worst urge to smoke. Nicotine plaster and nicotine chewing gum are the two most popular nicotine products. Other options are nicotine inhaler, nicotine nasal spray and nicotine tablets. When you smoke, it is probably often more a matter of habit than a desire. So do you really want that cigarette at the bus stop or after lunch? Or has it just become a really bad habit? Look critically at your smoking situations. Then you will be able to reduce your cigarette consumption significantly. This way you can take deliberated choice, when you decide to light a cigarette. Do you dream about something, you cannot afford today? It might be possible in the future, if you do not have to spend a lot of money on cigarettes. Reward yourself (or the family) with nice presents, when you haven't smoked for a week. And do the same again after a month and a year; then you will have the motivation to keep fighting, when it gets tough. One way to make the reward present is to create a smoking cessation piggy bank. Every day you do not smoke, put the amount at which you previously would have spent on cigarettes. After a few weeks you might have money enough for a nice dinner. And after a few months you can afford a nice vacation. Before you get started with your smoking cessation, it might be a good idea to write your thoughts down. Why would you stop, what do you think will be the hardest part etc. Then you are ready, when the crisis comes (and sooner or later it will come). The writings can give you encouragement and motivation. It might also be a good idea to write a smoking cessation diary with all your ups and downs.