Another maxim which will obviously prevent undesirable pathways is, go slowly at first.  This is an important principle in all learning.  If, when trying to learn the date 1453, you carelessly impress it first as 1435, you are likely to have trouble ever after in remembering which is right, 1453 or 1435.  As you value your intellectual salvation, then, go slowly in making the first impression and be sure it is right.  The next rule is:  Guard the exits of the nervous currents.  That is, watch the movements you make in response to impressions and ideas.  This is necessary because the nervous current pushes on past obstructions, through areas in the brain, until it ends in some form of movement, and in finding the way out, it seeks those pathways that have been most frequently travelled.  In study, it usually takes the form of movements of speech or writing.  You will need to guard this part of the process just as you did the incoming pathway You must see that the movement is made which you wish to build into a habit.  In learning the pronunciation of a foreign word, for example, see that your first pronunciation of it is absolutely right.  When learning to typewrite see that you always hit the right key during the early trials.  The point of exit of a nervous current is the point also where precautions are to be taken in developing good form.  The path should be the shortest possible, involving only those muscles that are absolutely necessary.  This makes for economy of effort.

The third general principle to be kept in mind is that habits are most easily formed in youth, for this is the period when nerve tissue is most easily impressed and modified.  With respect to habit formation, then, you see that youth is the time when emphasis should be laid upon the formation of as many useful habits as possible.  The world recognizes this to some extent and society is so organized that the youth of the race are given leisure and protection so that they may form useful habits.  The world asks nothing of you during the next four years except that you develop yourself and form useful habits which will enable you in later life to take your place as a useful and stable member of society.

In addition to the principles just discussed, there are a number of other maxims which have been laid down as guides in the formation of new habits.  The first is, make an assertion of will.  Vow to yourself that you will form the habit, and keep that resolve ever before you.

The second maxim is, make an emphatic start. Surround yourself with every aid possible.  Make it easy at first to perform the act and difficult not to perform it.  For example, if you desire to form the habit of arising at six every morning, surround yourself with a number of aids.  Buy an alarm clock, and tell some one of your decision.  Such efforts at the start “will give your new beginning such a momentum that the temptation to break down will not occur as soon as it otherwise might;