The ancient Greek verse that typically describes the resolve of mail delivery is equally apt when applied to nicotine delivery. The sight of wet or shivering smokers outside in the worst weather is the very epitome of an overtaken will. Ask regulars in your building's smokers' alley, and most will tell you they've tried to quit before but always relapse. Smokers, while shackled with a most conspicuous habit, aren't the only ones who engage in actions that are harmful to personal well-being.
People overeat, fail to exercise, procrastinate, overspend.
There are virtually as many bad habits and damaging addictions as there are humans. Just take a look at reports from health clubs where steep membership spikes in January are inevitably followed by deep attendance declines by Valentine's Day. University of Rhode Island professor James Prochaska has found that only 55 percent of New Year's resolutions are still being kept after a month. By two years out, the number dips to 19 percent. Today, George W. Bush seems to have overcome those foibles.