Habit thought patterns are different from our conscious thinking. For example, when you drive your automobile you do not consciously think about applying your brake if you see a red traffic signal. The act of your foot being on the brake is automatic. This action has been repeated so often that the driver no longer has to think about it. A habit has been formed and the habit pattern takes control of his actions as though some force or power other than himself were operating.

This matter of habits relates to almost every phase of our lives. And if we are going to get the most out of our mental tools, let's understand how thought patterns are established and what kind of thought patterns are best for us to live by.

One of the outstanding psychologists of our day experimented with a patient by shining a light in front of his eyes. At the same time that the light was turned on to make the pupils of the eyes contract, a bell was rung. This was repeated many times. Each time the light was placed in front of the patient's eyes the bell was rung. And each time this happened the pupils of his eyes contracted.