Again in words of Henry Petroski, “All success of engineering as far back in history as pyramids and as far into future as wildest conceptions of mile-high skyscrapers may be imagined to have begun with a wish to achieve something without failure, where ‘without failure’ to engineer means not only to stand without falling down but also to endure with what might be called ‘structural soundness.’”

Consider Egyptian pyramids. The pyramid shape is an extremely stable one. Maybe in time past, idea of a pyramid shape was realized when someone let a fist-full of sand drain from one’s hand to ground, forming a neat, little, pyramid shape. Thus was born idea of mimicking shape, shape that resembles mountains, by building a pyramid. And certainly one could argue that pyramid shape is, indeed, a strong and lasting shape because ancient ones still stand in Egypt. Yet, in same breath, it must be argued that it took more than pyramid shape to secure its longevity. It required engineering design that was, at time, one of mostly trial and error.

An article by Gary Durkin © Copyright 2005 - All Rights Reserved worldwide.

P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically recognise this acronym - Positive Mental Attitude.

Yadda yadda... blah... blah.... some people think, but PMA should be likened to 'dieting'.

No, I haven't gone completely insane (not quite), but one major failure that many people are guilty of, is to overlook a common theme that links both PMA and dieting.

Instead of considering a weight-loss plan / calorie controlled diet as a short-term temporary measure, it's more effective to adopt a permanent, ongoing lifestyle change. Eat better, eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, salad, less fat, sugar, and so on, exercise regularly and keep doing so, rather than Yo-Yo dieting, your results and long-term benefits are enhanced greatly.

Equally so, trying to temporarily change way we think, feel, look at life - only to slowly revert back into old ways, or 'comfort zone', is as effective as ordering regular fries for a couple of weeks, instead of your usual ‘supersize’ portion - in hope of getting 'body beautiful'!

Effective dieting comes from a lifestyle change and ensuring you stick with it. Just as it is with 'attitude'.

So how do you achieve PMA?

There's no magic solution, no wonder-pill, no secret. It's a gradual process, taken in steps, one at a time.

There are a few common ‘sayings’ that can get everyone off to a good start. “Before you lose your temper… count to ten” “Take brake off your brain, before you put your mouth into drive”.

Those are a couple of classics that I’ve overlooked on a few occasions!

But PMA can be far more than that. It’s about belief, will-power, being positive, attitude adjustment. It makes all difference.

One of biggest contributors which dictates success or failure of those trying to quit smoking…. is will power. Feeling positive about school, college or university examinations increases likelihood of improved performance.

It’s been widely documented that a solid determination to improve or recover, has been an influencing factor to many who are seriously ill or injured.