I don't know of anyone who quit on their first try. I forget the exact number, but I read a long time ago that the average success was on the 8th try - or something like that.
The most important thing is that you really, really want to quit. If you're just doing it to please someone else, don't even try.
In my case, I was re-landscaping our 1/4 acre yard. Not only was I cutting down large shrubs, digging out the roots, and digging trenches for irrigation lines; but since I'm in Arizona, I also had to move and rake into place - one wheelbarrowful at a time - over 25 tons of decomposed granite. I got so tired of having to stop to rest, bent over with my hands on my knees, wheezing and gasping for air. That's when I realized that the physical consequences of smoking were no longer something "down the road" - they had arrived.
I also ate lunch a lot at a Denny's right down the street from work. I noticed two things about that restaurant - One, there were dozens of very senior citizens who ate there; and two, I never saw any of them sit in the smoking section. All those people in their 70s, and 80s; and not one of them was a smoker. I think that's when the light bulb finally clicked on.
Those two things are what made me determined to become an ex-smoker. Until then, I never really had the necessary motivation to succeed. Looking back on it, it was easier than any other attempt. I credit both my motivation and the (then relatively new) nicotine patches. But I'd be lying if I said it was easy. The thing is though, every day gets easier than the day before. It's a reachable goal.
Again - good luck.
Oh - and if your schedule allows, join a gym - you're about to pack on some pounds - might as well kill two birds at once. Besides - as pointed out earlier - your friends and family will appreciate an extra hour away from you. The irritability will fade in a month or so, though
