Quit Smoking and Make More Money

January 17th, 2008 | 24 comments

stop smoking and make more money My mind works in mysterious ways at times. Last Saturday morning, out of the blue without any prior thought, I just decided to quit smoking. I’m using these mint lozenges called “Commit” when I have the urge to smoke and so far Claudia and I (she quit as well) are doing great with it. I really think we quit this time.

Anyway, the reason I’m even mentioning this is because I never realized just how much time I wasted everyday on smoke breaks!!

I never kept track, but on an average work day I’m guessing that I took about 4 or 5 smoke breaks throughout the work day. Each of those breaks normally equaled about 20 minutes; about 10 minutes to smoke and 10 minutes talking and playing with my Son, Aaron. I work at home so I still spend alot of time with him, luckily

That’s an hour and 20 minutes to an hour and 40 minutes taken away from the time that I make money every day. That’s also alot of money down the drain (buying cigarettes) and paying for chemo when I get Cancer later on down the road.

So, by quiting I’ve definitely saved alot of money, improved my health and I’ve already made more money because I’ve devoted a solid hour or more every day working!

There are all kinds of tips in the blogosphere on how to improved ad placement etc. etc. to make more money, but sometimes a simple lifestyle change for the better will do better than any ad placement

If you put your mind to it, actually if you just try not to think about it, you CAN stop smoking! I smoked for 12 years. Claudia smoked for about 20. We both quit and it’s already increasing our income.

So if you smoke, quit with me and Claudia You can do it and you’ll be glad you did!

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24 comments

robojiannis (5 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 3:56 pm

I don’t want to sound skeptical, but always when I hear smokers trying quitting one thing comes to mind:

Groucho Marx: Quitting smoking is the easiest thing to do. I have done it thousand times.
Josh Spaulding
17th January, 2008 at 4:18 pm

lol you’re right, I’ve done it several times But, us smokers also usually know, in the back of our heads, that we didn’t really quit. I know that I did in fact really quit this time though.

My father has COPD and my GrandFather died from emphysema. My doc said I need to quit now or I’ll have COPD very soon. That’s one good reason to quit and although I still have the urge every now and then, it’s not too bad.

I know I quit and I’ll be honest and tell you guys if I do quit quiting But it’s not going to happen.
Courtney (21 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 6:07 pm

Congratulations Josh! I tried my hardest to smoke as a teen but fortunately, I never got used to it. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to quit. I wish you continuing success with this…and your positive attitude is certainly going to help!

Even though you’re cutting out smoking, you should still take those breaks with Aaron! That’s definitely not time wasted.
Chuck (4 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 7:21 pm

Good job, dude! Never had it as a problem…got it out of my system with a few packs of Kools when I was in my teens. But my son and his wife both smoke like chimneys, and they’re always broke. I’ve tried to make the point a few times, but…they’ll have to figure it out for themselves, I s’pose.

Make it stick this time…for yourself, your wife and your son. My mom was 39 when she died (I was 16). It’s really good to be there as your kids grow up, and have kids of their own. They really need you, if it’s at all possible for you to be there!
Anna (1 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 7:50 pm

Kudos to you and your wife! I used to smoke for over 20 years. Nine years ago I was blessed with raising a grandson. In the back of my mind, I would think, “I really need to stop smoking. Here I am not getting any younger and now raising a grandchild.” After four years of ‘quitting’ and ’starting’…, I came across some great information about ’stopping’ smoking (notice the difference). I don’t recall what the name of the program was, but it had a book and a cassette tape to listen to.

The first thing was to set a date for stopping and psych myself up mentally, looking forward to that date. One way to look forward to it, or in your case, to keep focused, is to make yourself little cards with the pros for stopping. Things like live longer to see your son and grandchildren grow up, whiter teeth, breathing is easier, clothes, hair, etc. do not have that awful stench, and so on. I even made an appointment with my dentist to reward myself (after 30 days smoke-free) to get my teeth cleaned and whitened. Be sure to reward yourselves at appropriate milestones.

You can have the cards laminated and keep them in your pocket or purse or wallet. You can also make some to tape to the bathroom mirror, refrigerator, kitchen cabinets, car window visor. I’m sure you get it.

You CAN do it. God Bless and Good Luck!
Amanda (10 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 7:58 pm

That’s great Josh–not only will you be healthier but you’ll also be a better role model for your son! Kids always want to be just like their Super Dad!

My husband quit cold turkey three years ago–just decided he had enough. According to him the website http://www.whyquit.com played a key role in convincing him to stick with it. You should swing by sometime. (no it’s not my website!) I guess there’s some pretty scary pictures or something . . . He said the message boards were helpful too.

Although my husband’s philosophy was not to tell anybody he was quiting. I guess it’s bad luck. Hope that doesn’t backfire on you!
Josh Spaulding
17th January, 2008 at 8:14 pm

Of course all the non-smokers comment. All the smokers must be on break My Dad quit a few months back and now he makes it his mission in life to criticize all smokers. I think I’m going down his path without meaning to.

@ Courtney – Thanks and I’m glad you failed in that instance even though you tried so hard lol It is somewhat difficult, but for some reason this time it isn’t too bad. I don’t know how, but I know I’m done this time. I can’t stay away from Aaron too long, he’s too cute, but I won’t be taking as many breaks.

@ Chuck – eww Kools? nasty I can see why you never started. Maybe I’ll just make Aaron smoke a Kool once he’s a teen Yeah, I hope they do quit. You should recommend chantix. It’s a new drug that a BUNCH of long-time smokers are using to quit. My doc said I have to try everything under the sun before she would prescribe it, but I’ve heard a bunch of success stories.

I can’t imagine losing my mom at that age! I’m very sorry to hear that! I’m definitely done this time. I’ll be sure to give you guys an update in a month or so.

@ Amanda – That’s true and another good reason. I looked at the site, but I think it would just get me thinking about it, which is what I’m trying to avoid. I’m doing pretty good though. The “Commit” mints work pretty well I guess and I have my mind set to it.

I told my Mom a few days back and waited a whole week to post it here I always tell people things like this, but I always make sure I follow-through I don’t mean your Husband doesn’t though. My wife is the same way. She still hasn’t told anyone. She thinks if she does then she’ll start smoking again? I don’t get it!
Josh Spaulding
17th January, 2008 at 8:26 pm

@ Anna – Sorry, missed your comment – was held for moderation.

Thanks alot! Those sound like some great tips. I smoked about 3/4 of a pack a day so I wasn’t an extremely heavy smoker. Not to be arrogant, but I think I’m doing great by just staying occupied. I think doing too many different things on a daily basis just to stop would just keep the thought in my head, but everyone is different so I’d imagine different people react better or worse to different things.

Great job quiting, or should I say stopping and thanks for stopping by.
Ray Johnson (1 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 10:38 pm

Quitting smoking is always for the better! I think once your oxygen intake improves with it, it also increases your energylevels and health in general! A friend of mine said he felt like he was reborn. Felt much better and the stomachtrouble he had disappeared totally! Best of luck to you! =)
Josh Spaulding
17th January, 2008 at 10:59 pm

I’d imagine so. I’m also working on lowering my Cholesterol. I know I won’t smoke again and if I can lower the Cholesterol I’d imagine I’ll feel like a new man Thanks for stopping by.
Shannon (1 comments.)
18th January, 2008 at 12:18 am

Hey Josh,

Congrats on your decision to quit smoking. It will be the best thing you have ever done in your life.

I quit smoking on Dec. 2 and I feel great. You will see what I mean after about a week and you wake up and you can actually breath again.

You can do it. I was a 2 pack a day smoker, so if I can do it anyone can.

Shannon
Tech Slice (1 comments.)
18th January, 2008 at 3:55 am

I’ve tried quitting several times without success.
Toni (1 comments.)
18th January, 2008 at 4:14 pm

I’m trying to quit too!!!!! Today is my second day and doing great. Already saved $6.72 in two days. Great advice – for those looking to save money in this new year.
Adrian (1 comments.)
18th January, 2008 at 5:01 pm

Quitting smoking is the easiest thing to do. I have done it thousand times.
Josh Spaulding
18th January, 2008 at 7:12 pm

@ Shannon – Thanks and Congrats to you too! I can feel a difference already. It used to hurt when I took a really deep breath, now it doesn’t

@ Tech Slice – It’s hard to do. It’s all in your head though! Just have to tell yourself you’re not going to do it anymore.

@ Toni – Awesome! Good luck. I’m on day 7 and I don’t think about it nearly as much as I did the first few days, so it gets easier.
Maurice (TheCaymanHost) (63 comments.)
20th January, 2008 at 1:05 am

Well, you’re a bigger man than me Josh – I’ve failed probably more than a thousand times, so I guess if you ever visit Cayman I’ll be smoking alone on the balcony at Margaritaville

In all seriousness though, way to go! It’s a tough thing to do so I hope you both manage to stop for good.

Commonsense tells me I should stop, commonsense tells me I should never have started, commonsense tells me it ain’t doin’ my old bones a piece of good, so I’d have to say I’m just another dumba** whose choice of one of life’s crutches was not a wise one, and I reflect on that each time I take a hit on a Camel…..
Pinny Cohen (1 comments.)
21st January, 2008 at 6:19 am

Just think of all the months of hosting you now have :-p
Josh Spaulding
21st January, 2008 at 2:09 pm

@ Maurice – If the situation were switched a month ago I would have said the same thing to you. I’ve tried loads of times in the past and just couldn’t do it. This time I just told my self no matter what I’m not going to smoke anymore. It’s been 9+ days now Claudia and I and the urge isn’t nearly as bad as the first few days.

Next time you quit give it 10 days without any and see how you feel. I bet the urge won’t be so bad.

@ Pinny – Yep, I’m saving approximately the price of a cheap dedicated server
Allen (10 comments.)
22nd January, 2008 at 3:30 pm

This is something I worry about every day. Maybe the trick is to just do it, like you have. I know that I want to be around when my son graduates college (he’s 4), so I really need to. A 25 year habit is hard to break, though…
Josh Spaulding
22nd January, 2008 at 3:45 pm

Hey Allen, I think all the good advice has already been stated above, but I’m telling you, you can do it. Granted you’ve been smoking far longer than I, but it is truly up to ourselves!

If you don’t think you can do it on your own you should really look into Chantex (I think that’s how it’s spelled.)

I’ve met several people, a few who smoked 20, 30 and one who even smoked 40 years and told me it actually worked. The only reason I didn’t get it is because my doc said I had to try everything else before she would prescribe it.
Jon - The DC Traveler (1 comments.)
13th May, 2008 at 2:54 pm

Congrats. I quit after 20+ years cold turkey. It is mind over matter. You can not allow yourself to “try just one”, or cheat even a little.

Now when I smell a smoker in an elevator, I just think how bad I used to smell into my coworkers and family. It’s enough incentive to make me never want to pick up a pack of cigarettes again.
Josh Spaulding
13th May, 2008 at 5:35 pm

Thanks Jon,

Claudia and I are both still smoke free Feels great.

But, I’m still addicted to those damn Commit mints.
Jackie (1 comments.)
10th December, 2008 at 3:59 pm

After many many failed attempts my husband and myself both quit “for good” in may 1996 and have been 100% smoke free ever since… I know one thing once you do manage to quit you never regret it – the only thing you regret is the amount of money you wasted on your smoking habit!
internet reklamları (1 comments.)
17th February, 2010 at 12:34 pm

After many many failed attempts my husband and myself both quit “for good” in may 1996 and have been 100% smoke free ever since… I know one thing once you do manage to quit you never regret it – the only thing you regret is the amount of money you wasted on your smoking habit!