PC Magazine - USA (2020-12)

(Antfer) #1

THE PLAN
Florence then suggests I tell someone in my life I’m
UHDG\WRTXLW+PP6HULRXVO\")ULHQGVDQGIDPLOLHVRI
VPRNHUV,5/KDYHKHDUGDOOWKHH[FXVHV$QGLIWKH\¶UH
still smoking, they’re not going to be thrilled you’re
leaving the pack (couldn’t resist, sorry).


,QFRQWUDVW²ZKLFKLVZK\WKLVYLUWXDOKXPDQVWX̆
VKRXOGEHH̆HFWLYH²HPERGLHG$,VKDYHPDQ\DWWULEXWHV
that bio-based humans don’t possess, such as machine-
learning-based communication tools, 24/7 availability,
and zero ego or competitive zeal.


Which is why, as I found out when I interacted with
:2(%27DIHZ\HDUVDJRYLUWXDOEHLQJVDUHJUHDW
because there’s no loss of face. That’s vitally important
with certain cultures averse to showing vulnerability
and/or seeking professional help.


$Q\ZD\KHUH¶VDURXJKRXWOLQHRIWKHSODQ)ORUHQFH
came up with:



  • Remove all tobacco products from your
    environment.

  • Tell someone you’re committed to quit.

  • Expect withdrawal symptoms but know that a
    smoke-free future increases long-term health
     EHQH¿WV

  • $QGNQRZWKDWLIRQHXVHVWREDFFRDJDLQ³,GLGQRW
     IDLO,VXFFHVVIXOO\WULHG$QG,FDQVXFFHVVIXOO\WU\
    again.”


7KDWODVWVWDWHPHQWZDVDQQR\LQJVSOLWLQ¿QLWLYHVDORQH
Then it got worse. “Would you like a toll-free tobacco
quit line?” said Florence.


1R,ZRXOGQRW%HFDXVHWKHPLGVMXVWFDOOHGDQG
DVNHGIRUWKHLUWHOHSKRQ\EDVHGVWUDWHJ\EDFN,
ORJJHGR̆


Of course, I feel
instantly
validated by
this classic
reinforcement-
based
response, but
that’s why this
stuff works.
Free download pdf