The Certain Way to Wealth: Wattles’ Wisdom Still Builds Business Today

“The question arises here, whether this Certain Way may not be so difficult that only a few may follow it. This cannot be true, as we have seen, so far as natural ability is concerned. Talented people get rich, and blockheads get rich; intellectually brilliant people get rich, and very stupid people get rich; physically strong people get rich, and weak and sickly people get rich.” – Wallace Wattles, “The Science of Getting Rich”

Have you ever wondered why some people succeed in business while others with more intelligence, education, or connections struggle? Wallace Wattles’ timeless insight flips the script: wealth isn’t about talent, IQ, or even physical strength, it’s about following principles, the “Certain Way,” that anyone can apply. That truth makes “The Science of Getting Rich” as relevant today as it was over 100 years ago.

Why Wattles’ Insight Still Matters Today

In today’s business world, it’s easy to believe success is reserved for the “lucky” or “gifted.” But look around, ordinary people start thriving businesses, while others with all the advantages fail. Wattles’ point is simple but profound: riches are not the result of brilliance, but of applying universal laws of thought, belief, and action.

This is good news for entrepreneurs: your future doesn’t depend on talent or circumstance, but on whether you consistently do things in a Certain Way.

How This Applies to Modern Business and Startups

Whether you’re scaling a business or starting one from scratch, Wattles’ principle keeps you grounded. Success comes from clarity, consistency, and persistence, not perfection or pedigree.

Here’s how to use this truth in your entrepreneurial journey:

1. Focus on Principles, Not Perfection: Stop waiting until you feel “ready” or “smart enough.” Many so-called ordinary people achieve extraordinary results because they take action while others overthink.
2. Develop a Clear Vision: Wealth follows vision. Write down what you want to achieve in your business: revenue goals, customer impact, or market presence. Revisit it daily.
3. Take Daily Consistent Action: It’s not about grand gestures but small, repeated steps: make the call, write the proposal, launch the campaign. Consistency compounds.
4. Practice Faith in the Process: Doubt kills momentum. Wattles insists faith and gratitude align you with success. Entrepreneurs who believe in their vision keep moving when others quit.
5. Study and Apply Proven Systems: In business, success leaves clues. Marketing frameworks, sales strategies, and leadership habits work for anyone who uses them. Plug into systems rather than reinventing the wheel.

Practical Action Steps You Can Start Today

Write a “Certain Way” Statement: Define the amount of money you want to earn, the value you’ll give, and the plan to get there.

Commit to 3 Daily Actions: Each day, do three concrete things that move your business forward: calls, pitches, marketing, product improvement.

Track Progress Weekly: Measure what matters (leads, sales, revenue). Numbers don’t lie, they reveal if your actions align with your goals.

Build Belief Muscles: Read your goals daily and visualize success. Confidence grows by conditioning, not chance.

Wattles’ reminder that both the brilliant and the “blockheads” get rich should free you from excuses. Your background, talent level, or current circumstances don’t determine your destiny. What matters is whether you commit to thinking and acting in the Certain Way: consistently, persistently, and with faith.

If you’re starting or growing a business, don’t wait for the perfect conditions or credentials. Begin now, stay aligned with proven principles, and your results will follow.