cigarette or put down that last drink. With some regret -- mixed perhaps with a feeling of determination -- all those New Year's resolutions will take effect. But how long will they last? How long can the smoker stand the withdrawal symptoms and how long will the new non-drinker last as the New Year's Eve party continues and why do people do it? Giving up smoking is perhaps the most common New Year's resolution. Drinking is also probably a favourite. Dieting must also rank highly, exercising will be popular, making an extra effort to save money and being nice to the wife/girlfriend - and husband/boyfriend - will cross people's minds. There are a multitude of others which people have once pledged to carry out and already thoughts are turning to the pledges - and hardships -ahead. One person has resolved to buy "really nice'' furniture, in particular a dinner table and chairs. Another wants to "become a better person''. And one says "it is extremely silly to make New Year's resolutions you don't intend to keep''. It's likely some resolutions will be not to make a resolution. How long these well intentioned commitments last will bear testimony to a person's determination and willpower -and how much they really want to succeed, or how much pressure they are under to succeed. Such things as smoking will test anyone to the full, but making sure the chores are done every day may just come down to a question of forming a new habit that in time becomes routine. Why do people do it? The start of a New Year is as good as any a time to turn a new leaf, start things afresh. The New Year holds exciting prospects and doing something positive kicks it off in the right way. But one sceptic, who will not be making a New Year's resolution, said: "If they are going to do something, it is something they should be working on every day of the year. "They are setting themselves up to put off what they should be doing until next year, when they can try again.'' One person who does not seem to take New Year's resolutions too seriously, but who believes in fulfilling commitments day-in and day-out, is the leader of the PLP, Mr. Frederick Wade. "I can't really remember what my resolutions were in the past, but I doubt I kept them,'' he said. "I'm sure they were probably to do with walking and taking more exercise. I haven't thought of one for this year, but I will. It's good to make them, even if you do not keep them.'' Premier, David Saul, however, does take the matter seriously and has made, and kept, his resolutions. He is also fully commited to fulfilling his resolution for the coming year. Among those Dr. Saul has made are -- becoming more computer literate, to be a better listener and to be more tolerant and understanding. "I have been successful. I write them down and keep looking at them to remind me,'' said the Premier. His resolution for the coming year: "To always keep `what is best for Bermuda' in the forefront of my mind as I deal with problems that confront me as Bermuda's fifth Premier.''