A positive mental attitude is the right mental attitude in any given situation and is most often composed of the plus characteristics symbolized by such words as faith, integrity, hope, optimism, courage initiative, generosity, tolerance, tact（机智，老练） , kindliness, and good common sense.

PMA is the most important aspect of any attractive personality; indeed, it is crucial to many of the Seventeen Principles of Success. PMA influences your tone of voice, your posture, your facial expressions. It modified every word you say and determines the nature of the emotions you feel. It affects every thought you have and the results your thoughts bring you.

For the sake of contrast, let's examine the effects of a negative mental attitude. It dampens（抑制，使沮丧） your enthusiasm, curtails（缩减） your imagination, undermines your desire to be cooperative, overthrows your self-control, makes you sullen（不高兴的） and intolerant, and, as if these weren't enough, throws your reasoning out of gear.

A negative mental attitude is so detrimental to your efforts that you are better off staying at home than venturing out into the world with it. It will only make you enemies and corrupt your good works and allinances. A lawyer who goes into court with best case in the word will convince neither judge nor jury if her attitude is negative. What kind of confidence would you have in a sullen, pessimistic（悲观的） doctor, no matter how many degrees hang on the will? None! People simply will not tolerate a bad mental attitude.

In contrast, a positive mental opens doors and allows you to display your skills and ambitions. Imagine that lawyer presenting her case with confidence, gaining the ear of judge and jury because she is distinctively self-assured. Wouldn't you rather be treated by a physician who sets you at ease, answer your questions plainly, and demonstrates a knowledge of his field?

Building a positive mental attitude is part of the other aspects of an attractive personality. As you read on, you'll see how understanding and applying each of these points reinforce your PMA.