Leslie Rogalski of Step-by-Step Beads discusses here why she would suggest working with shorter treads – to make a few reasons, less tangling and faster beading. It is a helpful little article.
If you are ready to take the step and stop using yards long string, as I think I am, check out the accompanying video here from Doodlebeads. The instructions but drawn and in actual beads, are very helpful and should aid you in shortening that tread or even adding thread after the inevitable breakage.
The end of the article even gives tips for threading a needle easily, so if that is what is stopping you from using shorter threads, check it out.