C1 English Reading – Short Story & Vocabulary Quiz
Mark had struggled with a repetitive bad habit for a long time: nail-biting. It would appear during stress, boredom, or even quiet times. His fingers often looked lackluster and felt sore. He was used to this habit, doing it almost without thinking. He had made some initial attempts to cease, but they did not last. His efforts proved inadequate.
One morning, he saw himself in the mirror and felt a strong sense of purpose. This time, he was ready for a radical change. He chose a straightforward plan: be aware and replace the action. He would carry a small, fixed fidget toy, a smooth stone, in his pocket. Each time he felt the urge, he would reach for the stone instead.
He would also remind himself of his goal. He used vivid mental pictures of healthy nails. The first few days were brutal. The craving would come in consecutive waves, making his jaw clench. He could hardly focus on anything else. At that point, he would employ his willpower, holding the stone until the urge stopped.
He found help from his sister. She would patiently listen as he retold his daily struggles. Her encouragement was consistent. Slowly, the urges grew weaker. The time between them grew longer, and they became more stable. After one month, he scarcely bit his nails at all. He was used to the stone now; it felt comforting. He had attained his goal, not by a sudden huge effort, but by a fixed, repetitive promise to a new habit. His fingers, once a source of shame, were now healthy. This showed his strong will.