The easy way to use your own is to redefine the styles. Applying formatting
directly to individual paragraphs is the HARD way. But in any case, styles
(pre-defined or otherwise) are used only if you choose to apply them. You
can also set the listing of styles to 'Styles in use', so only those that
you're using are shown.

Hi Jae

Are you using Word 2002 or Word 2003? Are we talking about the Styles and
Formatting task pane (which you reach by doing Format > Styles and
Formatting)?

If so, then do two things.

1. Tools > Options > Edit. Un-tick "Keep track of formatting".

2. Format > Styles and Formatting. In the Show box at the bottom of the task
pane, choose Custom. In the Category box, choose All Styles. And now tick
and flick to choose the styles you would like to be displayed. Click OK and
your Styles and Formatting task pane will only show you the styles you chose
to view.

There's more information about controlling the Styles and Formatting task
pane at
How the Styles and Formatting pane works in Word 2002 and 2003
http://www.ShaunaKelly.com/word/sfpane/StylesAndFormattingPane.html

And, before you give up on Word's built-in styles completely, you might like
to read
Why use Microsoft Word's built-in heading styles?
http://www.ShaunaKelly.com/word/numbering/UseBuiltInHeadingStyles.html

Hope this helps.

Shauna Kelly.  Microsoft MVP.
http://www.shaunakelly.com/word