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The PMA Effect
Stuck in a rut? Lack the discipline to accomplish your goals? Always find yourself waving the white flag in surrender? Having a string of sh*tty days, weeks, months, maybe even years? If you answered yes to any of those then this is the book you ve been waiting for. The PMA Effect teaches the methods for achieving your goals no matter how high you set the bar comes down to one vital Developing a Positive Mindset. Change your mindset Change your life. PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) can sustain you through any difficult circumstances. You ll learn to deal with stress more efficiently. You ll develop the skill set and determination to never quit at tasks. To push through fear and manifest your thoughts, hopes and dreams into reality. In essence The PMA Effect is the blueprint to becoming that badass, super-human that lives inside each and every one of us.
346 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2018
137 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
John Joseph
148 books32 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 18, 2018
Just like The Art of Not Giving a Fuck this was another great addition to self-help that isn't corny or overall shitty. John Joseph really speaks the language we all need to hear and I'm grateful for his tone and being dead ass serious about how we can be more positive, happy, strong, successful and to live a good life of service.
November 5, 2018
This book is potentially life changing. I rarely read a book that actually makes me want to go out and be a better version of myself. This book left me feeling like I can make changes and I can be better a person for myself and others. Highly recommend this book if you’re feeling like you are stagnating in any piece of your life. I wish there had been a summary at the end with all the key advice, but I’ll go through the book again and make my own. 5/5 would highly recommend.
November 12, 2018
Excellent book! John breaks everything down into real nuts and bolts of what you need to stay positive in this crazy world.
February 24, 2024
I love the messaging in this book, but it’s just not very well written. A lot of the chapters were repetitive and the structure of the writing was often painful to read. I did finish it just because it was a great book to read a chapter or two every morning and the chapter titles made me laugh. I would recommend picking any other motivational self help book.
January 15, 2019
Amazing book. Written in a very easy to digest and somehow simplistic way, but so much valuable stuff in it so you can work on your positive mental attitude. A lot of good lessons, principles and daily routines to follow and powerful quotes.
January 17, 2019
Absolutely reccomend to anyone and everyone. Keep that PMA and watch your life become the best it can be!
January 14, 2019
John lays out how to help develop Positive Mental Attitude from his experiences over the years. It's a great read that can help give all different tools to help them with PMA and life in general. No bs approach and plenty of hard truth and language that might not be for the faint of heart, but hey sometimes we all need a little of that to get us where we need to be in life.
July 31, 2020
Definitely a no fluff approach to altering your internal approach to the tools of daily life and improving your mindset toward the world. It was nothing terribly groundbreaking to me, but it was a nice little daily read to give a little reflection in my daily life and attitude, I feel like I came out the other end a little less stressed and depressed. But hey, maybe I’m just thinking positively. 🤷🏻♂️
June 13, 2019
John Joseph is a badass. He tackles everyday like a pro, winning the little battles in order to face the big ones. He doesn’t have time for drama, or bullshit. But he does have time to help those in need, as well as investing in himself. Why? Because he has to. Joseph’s third novel The PMA Effect is a guide to grabbing your life by the horns and being honest with yourself. To understand that the path to higher knowledge is a privilege humans have. In his heartfelt audio version of the book, the grueling stories of sheer relentless hard work was raw and emotional. Joseph’s storytelling allows the reader to take the small steps to improve one’s life in addition to setting a plan to accomplish long term goals. He hits us with hard truth about how anything worth achieving won’t be easy.
The PMA effect is broken into four parts, all highlighting different aspects of life and discipline. Riddled with effective quotes and explanations of the importance of the knowledge provided. The novel is the culmination of John Joseph’s method to staying positive during difficult times. The pure hearted drive through this work excites the reader and leaves them sad when the PMA effect comes to a close. However Joseph has two other novels that await if the reader is starved for more of John’s personality. I wouldn’t blame them. In fact, after reading this novel I have approached social situations differently understanding that everyone is working on themselves everyday. This novel has helped create a plan to follow in order to succeed on my path.
Though the first track in the novel has technical difficulties, these issues do not carry throughout the entire novel. John’s voice shows the sentiment bleeding through the pages. The history that Joseph endured tested his will and affected him deeply. It is apparent that Joseph has been in some tough situations. But still he pushes through, to battle his enemy mind and take little wins throughout the day. Early on, he attributes some of his success to his method of pinning his goals onto a corkboard in order to see, visualize and always be reminded of where his focus should be. Joseph also attributes the practice of sadhana, or ritual in order to prepare the mind and body for the tasks you will ask from it. Meditation, yoga, and chanting of mantras are among Joseph’s regiment. As well as tidying up, and doing pushups and situps, and finishing it off with some juice. These stable rituals allow the body perform with peak efficiency day after day. John’s body has to in his choice of physical tests are ironmans. Some doctors say that the stress from ironmans are physically damaging to the body, however many push themselves to the limit everyday to perform in these grueling challenges. This isn’t something taken lightly, it is a promise competitors made to themselves, and Joseph explains how integrity and PMA correlate.
Joseph explains that when we agree to a task or offer our help it becomes a representation of our word. Sure, it could just be a small task, but you said you would do it.
The reader becomes more self aware of things of this nature and do not take their word as lightly. The seriousness presented show how important this aspect of PMA is. Keeping your word helps you feel better as well as becoming a reliable person to your friends and family. The adversity that John was forced to deal with as a child was unfair to say the least. But one has no control over the situation that you are born into. You do have control over how you spend your days and how you take care of business Joseph points out.
This novel is infested with helpful knowledge and practices the reader can do daily. Through Joseph’s narration we understand how things he may have even thought were impossible were achieved. I love the honesty and understanding of human habits, as John encourages us that results won’t come the same day you start, but the investment in yourself is permanent. As long as you keep pushing yourself and keeping a positive mental attitude, your goals will always be in reach. A tip that John gives is to take small steps and built out. If you don’t know how to start writing your novel, first write down what you want to say. From that point you can break it up and instead of having no idea how to begin, you have a heavy workload that taunts you to be tackled. Destroyed, pummeled, squashed, and you come out the other end with a stronger will than ever.
Listening to this book once was not enough. The second time I wrote down key points and mottos I wanted to instill in my life. Things other people told him, like “Everyday above ground is a good day, Johnny”, advice given from a man who faced immense challenges. As well as words that pushed the reader to begin to gain that edge over those who are doing the same task. Joseph explains, “Always remember: right now there is someone working his or her ass of to get the position of that work you covet”. This is an important image to keep in mind when you may want to call it a day halfway through your workout, or essay. Someone else is waking up earlier and eating better. Someone else is trying harder, so are you going to match that effort? Or will you dismantle the expectation by going above and beyond pushing yourself and the limit of the activity you engage in. Do you want to walk to your goals watching others run, or will you push yourself to be uncomfortable. Joseph promises, “Positive change will come if you’re willing to fight for it”. These thoughts keep the reader focused on the path to success and enhances the ambition one feels. When you begin to look at life as a game and hardships as tests, it’s hard not to want to work the problem.
This piece of literature is packed with the tools you need to achieve a happier life. Practicing a positive mental attitude on a daily basis is crucial to the success of your overall goals. I appreciate Joseph’s honesty and acquired knowledge so neatly presented for the reader. This novel made me curious about his other novels as I have read “Meat is for Pussies”, but not “Evolution of a Cromagnon”. Joseph’s writing is funny, and heartfelt. I enjoyed the overall tone of PMA, and have already found myself following John’s advice.
When choosing your next audiobook, why not choose John Joseph’s The PMA Effect? It is the accumulation and curation of author’s entire life as well as ancient traditions and practices. Following Joseph’s guide to reaching your full potential, you will see how keeping an organized plan of how you will achieve your goals is definitive to your success. When listening to Joseph read his own words, listen to the years of devotion he has put into this project and how it could transform your life forever. This audiobook is for the daring and the person that wants to be a little more so. Join Joseph in his lessons and outlook on life that cannot be reversed.
The PMA effect is broken into four parts, all highlighting different aspects of life and discipline. Riddled with effective quotes and explanations of the importance of the knowledge provided. The novel is the culmination of John Joseph’s method to staying positive during difficult times. The pure hearted drive through this work excites the reader and leaves them sad when the PMA effect comes to a close. However Joseph has two other novels that await if the reader is starved for more of John’s personality. I wouldn’t blame them. In fact, after reading this novel I have approached social situations differently understanding that everyone is working on themselves everyday. This novel has helped create a plan to follow in order to succeed on my path.
Though the first track in the novel has technical difficulties, these issues do not carry throughout the entire novel. John’s voice shows the sentiment bleeding through the pages. The history that Joseph endured tested his will and affected him deeply. It is apparent that Joseph has been in some tough situations. But still he pushes through, to battle his enemy mind and take little wins throughout the day. Early on, he attributes some of his success to his method of pinning his goals onto a corkboard in order to see, visualize and always be reminded of where his focus should be. Joseph also attributes the practice of sadhana, or ritual in order to prepare the mind and body for the tasks you will ask from it. Meditation, yoga, and chanting of mantras are among Joseph’s regiment. As well as tidying up, and doing pushups and situps, and finishing it off with some juice. These stable rituals allow the body perform with peak efficiency day after day. John’s body has to in his choice of physical tests are ironmans. Some doctors say that the stress from ironmans are physically damaging to the body, however many push themselves to the limit everyday to perform in these grueling challenges. This isn’t something taken lightly, it is a promise competitors made to themselves, and Joseph explains how integrity and PMA correlate.
Joseph explains that when we agree to a task or offer our help it becomes a representation of our word. Sure, it could just be a small task, but you said you would do it.
The reader becomes more self aware of things of this nature and do not take their word as lightly. The seriousness presented show how important this aspect of PMA is. Keeping your word helps you feel better as well as becoming a reliable person to your friends and family. The adversity that John was forced to deal with as a child was unfair to say the least. But one has no control over the situation that you are born into. You do have control over how you spend your days and how you take care of business Joseph points out.
This novel is infested with helpful knowledge and practices the reader can do daily. Through Joseph’s narration we understand how things he may have even thought were impossible were achieved. I love the honesty and understanding of human habits, as John encourages us that results won’t come the same day you start, but the investment in yourself is permanent. As long as you keep pushing yourself and keeping a positive mental attitude, your goals will always be in reach. A tip that John gives is to take small steps and built out. If you don’t know how to start writing your novel, first write down what you want to say. From that point you can break it up and instead of having no idea how to begin, you have a heavy workload that taunts you to be tackled. Destroyed, pummeled, squashed, and you come out the other end with a stronger will than ever.
Listening to this book once was not enough. The second time I wrote down key points and mottos I wanted to instill in my life. Things other people told him, like “Everyday above ground is a good day, Johnny”, advice given from a man who faced immense challenges. As well as words that pushed the reader to begin to gain that edge over those who are doing the same task. Joseph explains, “Always remember: right now there is someone working his or her ass of to get the position of that work you covet”. This is an important image to keep in mind when you may want to call it a day halfway through your workout, or essay. Someone else is waking up earlier and eating better. Someone else is trying harder, so are you going to match that effort? Or will you dismantle the expectation by going above and beyond pushing yourself and the limit of the activity you engage in. Do you want to walk to your goals watching others run, or will you push yourself to be uncomfortable. Joseph promises, “Positive change will come if you’re willing to fight for it”. These thoughts keep the reader focused on the path to success and enhances the ambition one feels. When you begin to look at life as a game and hardships as tests, it’s hard not to want to work the problem.
This piece of literature is packed with the tools you need to achieve a happier life. Practicing a positive mental attitude on a daily basis is crucial to the success of your overall goals. I appreciate Joseph’s honesty and acquired knowledge so neatly presented for the reader. This novel made me curious about his other novels as I have read “Meat is for Pussies”, but not “Evolution of a Cromagnon”. Joseph’s writing is funny, and heartfelt. I enjoyed the overall tone of PMA, and have already found myself following John’s advice.
When choosing your next audiobook, why not choose John Joseph’s The PMA Effect? It is the accumulation and curation of author’s entire life as well as ancient traditions and practices. Following Joseph’s guide to reaching your full potential, you will see how keeping an organized plan of how you will achieve your goals is definitive to your success. When listening to Joseph read his own words, listen to the years of devotion he has put into this project and how it could transform your life forever. This audiobook is for the daring and the person that wants to be a little more so. Join Joseph in his lessons and outlook on life that cannot be reversed.
November 19, 2018
This is a Fantastic Book! I had to read it because John Joseph is such an inspiration and total Cool:) Even his writing reflects his persona, which is to the point, direct, insightful, compelling and always with charm and charisma. His lessons learnt are deftly communicated with sincerity , and it comes through because he lived hardship and persevered. What I love about the content is that the important parts of Hinduism, physical training, meditation, yoga, punk rock, eighties history comes through in a amazingly unique mix. This is a dude I aspire to be like!
July 14, 2022
Honestly, when I read this book I enjoyed it very much. The way JJ breaks down the tools he uses to maintain the PMA lifestyle in easy to digest language was very much appreciated. Would I recommend it to someone else? Probably not. JJ has become a person I do not want to support or associate with anymore. His problematic world views, transphobic statements and antagonistic behaviour toward people online has very much turned me off of his books and his music.
June 13, 2020
Great content. However, it gets way too repetitive. John could’ve significantly shortened this book and still got his point across.
March 15, 2021
John Joseph is an awesome dude with an inspiring story. Unfortunately, this book was all over the place and, to me, didn't offer anything new.
November 12, 2019
John Joseph is a plant-based spiritual badass who has a problem with your shitty attitude. In The PMA Effect, he outlines how he keeps his positive mental attitude and how you can too. It's a real-talk wake up call that covers diet, spiritual practices, emotions, and relationships.
For me, I needed to hear what John Joseph had to say. It was and continues to be a reminder that our life is what we make of it. And if we stay positive and take care of ourselves and others, we'll be on the path to happiness.
I can't recommend this book enough. When John Joseph has something to say, it comes from his heart and it shows. I'd suggest listening to the audiobook. He narrates it, and it totally packs a more impactful punch hearing it right from him.
If you enjoyed The PMA Effect and want to know more about John Joseph, his multiple episodes on the Rich Roll Podcast are fantastic deep dives into the adversities he's gone through.
For me, I needed to hear what John Joseph had to say. It was and continues to be a reminder that our life is what we make of it. And if we stay positive and take care of ourselves and others, we'll be on the path to happiness.
I can't recommend this book enough. When John Joseph has something to say, it comes from his heart and it shows. I'd suggest listening to the audiobook. He narrates it, and it totally packs a more impactful punch hearing it right from him.
If you enjoyed The PMA Effect and want to know more about John Joseph, his multiple episodes on the Rich Roll Podcast are fantastic deep dives into the adversities he's gone through.
July 8, 2022
John Joesph is the lead singer of the punk band, Cro-Mags. I personally do not enjoy his music but I do respect his outlook on life. I was first introduced to him listening to the Rich Roll podcast. Without spoiling anything, he had a really tough upbringing and adult life in the mean streets of New York. Fast forward, he became a monk and has been an advocate for redemption, veganism, and living a positive life to overcome his past trauma.
His book and teachings had gotten me through being a caregiver for a family member with dementia. He changed my outlook on life as a caregiver and gave me positive when things felt bleak. I recommend this book for those open for a change in life. John lays things out really simple and speaks from the heart. Definitely watch some of his videos on YouTube and you'll see he's not the type of person who will give you overcomplicated teachings or instructions. All his books are very easy to digest and get into.
His book and teachings had gotten me through being a caregiver for a family member with dementia. He changed my outlook on life as a caregiver and gave me positive when things felt bleak. I recommend this book for those open for a change in life. John lays things out really simple and speaks from the heart. Definitely watch some of his videos on YouTube and you'll see he's not the type of person who will give you overcomplicated teachings or instructions. All his books are very easy to digest and get into.
March 24, 2020
5 stars for content + narration
If you have read any of John Joseph's other books, then you know that he is the definitive no-bullshit master. Admittedly, his approach may be a bit too "tough love" for many, but for those who seek a better life sans the woo-woo or the sugarcoating, then The PMA Effect may be the book for you.
PMA = positive mental attitude, and it is not a new idea. Joseph gives a nod to the roots, and he credits the Bad Brains for introducing him to PMA. Joseph credits the Bad Brains and PMA for saving his life, and if you know his life story, it is not an exaggeration.
If you are a John Joseph fan, do yourself a great favour and buy or listen to the audiobook. There is nothing quite as motivating as Joseph giving you the hard truth -- complete with swears and a Queens accent!
If you have read any of John Joseph's other books, then you know that he is the definitive no-bullshit master. Admittedly, his approach may be a bit too "tough love" for many, but for those who seek a better life sans the woo-woo or the sugarcoating, then The PMA Effect may be the book for you.
PMA = positive mental attitude, and it is not a new idea. Joseph gives a nod to the roots, and he credits the Bad Brains for introducing him to PMA. Joseph credits the Bad Brains and PMA for saving his life, and if you know his life story, it is not an exaggeration.
If you are a John Joseph fan, do yourself a great favour and buy or listen to the audiobook. There is nothing quite as motivating as Joseph giving you the hard truth -- complete with swears and a Queens accent!
February 8, 2022
Listened to the audiobook and I believe it would have been a better read, I give it 3.5 but I think I would give the actual book 4. I think you would get the most out of it if you had the physical book as the exercises he gave would be more tangible. I think this book gives a lot of good stuff but I feel it is hindered by the repeating of stuff, a lot of stuff is mentioned multiple times which I can somewhat understand it but it seemed to me the chapters then were bleeding together. If it was a bit more direct I would have enjoyed it more but not bad.
October 21, 2020
I followed John Joseph on Instagram before I even knew what his background was. I just stumbled across and really liked his positive, real, and inspiring posts. Then, he launched this book and I decided to give it a go.
How can one argue that having a Positive Mental Attitude is a bad thing. He's not talking about the toxic positivity that disallows a person the ability to assess their realistic position on things.
This book provides some tough-love and sets the ground rules for living a life full of meaning by showing you how the enemy mind can be silenced, take responsibility for yourself and be of service to others.
How can one argue that having a Positive Mental Attitude is a bad thing. He's not talking about the toxic positivity that disallows a person the ability to assess their realistic position on things.
This book provides some tough-love and sets the ground rules for living a life full of meaning by showing you how the enemy mind can be silenced, take responsibility for yourself and be of service to others.
July 1, 2022
Awesome book, going into "My Favorites" section. I really enjoyed the straightforward manner in which John touches on certain topics. It is the truth a lot of need to hear but take a while to understand. It took me a while to finish reading because I had to physically stop reading every 2 chapters to process what I had read. I recommend doing this because it allowed me to understand the information I was receiving and adapting it to my daily habits/life.
May 23, 2020
Down to earth advice on living a better life from a hardcore legend. There no major secrets or surprises here, but bite sized nuggets on reframing your attitude. This is the kind of down to earth advice that should have tidbits that will resonate with anyone. And, you know, inspiring a self help type book based on a bad brains song rules.
June 30, 2020
2020 was a bit of a challenging year for me.
This book helped lift my spirits and helped me focus on what's really important.
One criticism I have for this book was it's focus on vegetarianism.
Which is fine but, if you keep harping on the benefits of not eating meat maybe include some recipes.
I have no idea how to cook a vegetarian meal.
This book helped lift my spirits and helped me focus on what's really important.
One criticism I have for this book was it's focus on vegetarianism.
Which is fine but, if you keep harping on the benefits of not eating meat maybe include some recipes.
I have no idea how to cook a vegetarian meal.
Read
August 27, 2024I feel like this was a no bullshit book. Regardless if he wanted to bullshit, it seems like just the facts mam. I feel like I had enough life experiences to see some universal truths. Regardless of what you think of John or not, give it a read. I liked it, not because I like Johnʼs era of Cromags and I think if you want to take a deep dive in PMA, this is a good place to start.
January 28, 2025
JJ has become somewhat of a pariah in hardcore for good reason, he has some pretty boomer-esque, conservative takes on society. But he is a practitioner of meditation, veganism, athleticism, and personal improvement with tons of experience. I found some useful ideas and words of wisdom in this book despite the numerous typos and cringiness of the author
March 7, 2019
Love the book loved the message but the pushing for you to go vegan every other page got to be a bit much for me. He dedicated a whole chapter to it so to keep it up for the rest of the book was way to strong for my taste.
July 31, 2019
Truly a great book. Joseph speaks to you in the book like a face to face conversation. Fast read and I found great benefits of this book. Also I personally treated this like a workbook and took notes in my journal for each chapter.
March 29, 2025
Bought the book because I love John Joseph but this was a very mediocre read. It's full of the same old "follow your dreams. Take chances. Take risks. Get up early. Eat healthy, exercise....." Seriously. Nothing ground-breaking.
December 26, 2018
Very good read to get your mind right and push you along by setting up steps and goals.
February 6, 2019
Love John Joseph and anything he writes. His style is not for everyone but I am a huge fan.
July 19, 2019
Nothing mind blowing but helpful and easy to read
August 8, 2019
Want. Swift kick in the ass and get your shit back in order read this book as a matter of fact get the audio book so you can hear the truthfulness in his voice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews