224 NERVOUS REACTIONS 



When there is a real desire to build the habit, it is more easily 

 formed. Second, the activity must be repeated a number of times 

 under exactly the same conditions, permitting no exceptions to the 

 performance. Third, the act becomes automatic more quickly if 

 feelings of satisfaction attend the performance. If any annoyance 

 accompanies the performance, it delays the forming of the habit. 

 If exceptions are made in the type of reaction, judgment again 

 enters into the performance and it continues as a thoughtful act 

 rather than a habitual one. In performing the act each time in 

 exactly the same Avay, the same nerve path is traversed. Then 

 when the stimulus is received, the impulse goes more quickly over 

 the pathway, and synapses connect up with greater facility. 



In order to break a bad habit, there must first be a sincere desire 

 to get rid of it. The activity must be brought back to conscious- 

 ness so that the will may be directed on breaking it. For example, 

 in order to break the habit of biting the nails, red pepper may be put 

 under the nails. The sharp biting effect on the tongue will bring 

 to consciousness the fact that the nail is in the mouth. Each time 

 the person realizes that the nail is in the mouth, he must take it 

 away from the teeth and there must be no exception to this reac- 

 tion. The person who says he cannot break himself of a bad 

 habit means he does not want to break it. If the growth of the 

 nail and the improved appearance of the hand brings satisfaction, 

 the habit of refraining from biting the nails will be more speedily 

 established. The most effective way of breaking a bad habit is 

 to substitute a good habit which will be more satisfying than the 

 bad habit. For example, if a bo}^ has formed the habit of standing 

 on a street corner in the evening, he may find that joining an 

 athletic club will be so satisfying to him, because of its activities 

 and congenial companions, that in a short time his old habit has 

 lost its influence altogether. It is not wise to ever perform an 

 idle or vicious voluntary act, for if a synapse has once been es- 

 tablished between two neurons in performing an act, it is easier 



