both of which are easily accomplished by training and
especially practice, so we won't attempt to detail the pro-
cedure to its final happy conclusion.
The point we want to make is that to eliminate
a subconscious, uncontrollable habit, one first must get
conscious control of it. This is done by "Negative Practice"
-deliberately and consciously repeating the habit until it
ceases to be subconscious and becomes a consciously ex-
ecuted action, which you therefore can consciously stop.
This principle of "Negative Practice" can be
used to eliminate almost all habits. For example:
Fingernail biting can be eliminated by con-
sciously and deliberately biting your fingernails for a half-
hour at a time, always emphasizing that you are deliberately
forcing yourself to do this silly thing. When this has been
repeated sufficiently to become fully and embarrassingly
conscious, you not only will be able to stop, but fingernail
biting will have become so repulsive to you that even the
thought of it will be revolting.
"Negative Practice" can be used to eliminate
facial tics, teeth clicking, joint-popping, and all sorts of
minor nervous habits. It will eliminate the involuntary
repeating of errors in typing or writing certain words. It
will eliminate bad habits you may have developed in golf,
bowling or other sports, thus enabling you to greatly im-
prove your style and form.
One use of "Negative Practice" by which all of
us can benefit is the relief from involuntary tension in vari-
ous parts of our bodies. Many people unconsciously clench
their fists. This not only produces tension in them but it