Every time I snip Romeo's nails I feel victorious. We do this every Tuesday with some healthy procrastination  becomes Thursday. I take off a small amount (the width of a grain of rice) rewarding him with a piece of kibble after each paw.

I have to keep up my confidence as much as he does. I use my non clipping hand index finger as a security backup to make sure I don't slip and take any more than 2 millimeters. 

His nails are probably growing at the same rate I am cutting but at least we're holding steady. When I take out the orange clippers he knows he will get treats. That's the association I want.