A test of Discipline

Due to fatigue, lack of sleep, stress and many other reasons, a lot of call center employees turn to vices such as smoking and I wasn't any different. 

I started smoking in the last quarter of 2009. I was already a training supervisor back then and working in one of the big call centers in Cebu. Then a highly stressful situation came up that lasted for a couple of months and it was during that time i started seeking comfort and found a new stress relief activity that is smoking. 

I've tried different ways to quit and leave this unhealthy habit, from using different types of filter to ecig but as Chicago would put it...it's a hard habit to break.

and true enough it is! 

I've experienced the nasty withdrawal syndromes and after countless of time, effort and money spent just to quit smoking - i still failed. To some, i know this sounds very familiar. 

So what was it that made me quit smoking? I'll answer this in a bit...

I am now an Operations Manager in (for me) the best call center in Cebu.
Great Boss! Great Staff/employees! and Great environment! 

Anyways, part of my responsibility is doing Business Development tasks and bring on board new clients. 

Its been 4 months since my last client and I desperately need to bring in a new one.

Then came one day where i felt really good after talking to one of the many potential clients that we have...i felt really good about the deal that for the first time in my life, it gave me the urge to go to Simala right after that shift. Blessed with the gift of friends, my colleague and some members of the management  team accompanied me to show their support and also offer their own personal intentions. 

I gave my thanks and prayed for guidance - also asked help that I may close the deal ASAP!. 

So was the deal closed right away? Nope! Unfortunately it didn't.

Days turned to weeks and after numerous communication going back and forth with the potential client, i grew tired - felt hopeless and desperate. It was then that i made a deal with Mama Mary. 

I told her "Mi, please bring them in. Guide them and let them choose our firm. I PROMISE I WILL QUIT SMOKING"

and sure enough, after a week - they chose our firm and signed the agreement! Hurrah!!! 

Oh that sweet smell and taste of Victory! 

Its that same feeling when you we're still a kid and have been hoping, asking, wishing and fervently praying that your parents will buy you that toy you've always wanted for a very long time and finally it happens! Yes! that feeling! :)

So...August 23, 2013 was when i had my last stick.

although i know it's still too early - I'm still proud of this accomplishment and i know this will go all the way!!! 

Join me in this journey and i will continue to update you every month with my progress. Cheers!

I want to thank Ana and my friends at work for being very supportive. Of course you Mi, for being my strength when the urge to puff comes and killing it right away.

Thank you.