I think the most important thing about stopping smoking is the decision.
i stopped for about 5 years, then started again. I have stopped again now for nearly 2 weeks!
Until last Monday, I was smoking as usual, then on Monday, I whacked on a patch, and just haven't smoked.
I haven't tried any of the tablets because I can't, so I'm stuck with NRT, if I want a boost. Allen Carr has a lot of good ideas about not smoking, and is always useful as a backup. Hypnotherapy is said to be helpful.
As I said, the most important thing is to want to stop. To make a date for that to happen, and to take it from there.
Strangely this time it has not been too difficult, although I am still wondering if I want to be a smoker or not. I quite like not being one. It's nice being able to breathe a bit better and not to stink of an old ashtray.
A good thing to do is to fill a jam jar with fag ends and some water, and smell it when you feel the urge to smoke. It's rather disgusting to realise that it gives you a good idea of how smokers smell