Ever feel like you're doing all the right things but not getting the right results? You're working hard, you're staying positive, but success still feels like a moving target.
Wallace D. Wattles had a name for this gap between effort and results over a century ago. He said most people fail because they don't think and act in a "Certain Way."
This concept is the absolute bedrock of his book, The Science of Getting Rich, and it's the secret sauce to making the entire philosophy work. But what exactly is it?
Let's break it down in a simple, step-by-step way. (And if you want a complete overview of all of Wattles' principles, be sure to check out our The Science of Getting Rich Explained: A Complete Guide
Step 1: Thinking in the Certain Way
Before you can act, you have to think. The "Certain Way" of thinking isn't just positive thinking; it's a powerful and precise mental discipline. It has three key ingredients:
Unwavering Faith: You must believe that there is a "thinking substance" from which all things are made, and that this substance responds to your thoughts. More importantly, you must believe that you have the ability to impress your thoughts upon it and bring your desires into reality. No doubts allowed!
A Clear, Detailed Vision: You can't be vague. Don't just think, "I want to be rich." Form a crystal-clear mental image of exactly what you want. What does your dream house look like? How much money is in your bank account? What does your daily life feel like? Hold this picture in your mind as if it's already real.
A Driving Purpose: Your "why" is your fuel. Why do you want to be rich? Is it for freedom? To help others? To express your creativity? Connect your vision to a deep, meaningful purpose. This purpose will keep your faith strong when faced with challenges.
Step 2: Acting in the Certain Way
A perfect thought process is only half the equation. You must unite your thoughts with powerful action. Acting in the Certain Way means:
Acting with Gratitude: Approach every single task with a feeling of thankfulness. Wattles believed gratitude connects you to the universe's creative forces. Be grateful for the opportunities you have right now, even if they seem small.
Taking Efficient Action: This is huge. Do not procrastinate or plan endlessly. Do everything you can do today, and do each separate act in a successful, efficient manner. Don't worry about yesterday's failures or tomorrow's problems. Focus all your energy on making today a success.
More Than Filling Your Present Place: In whatever job or situation you are in, go above and beyond. Do more than what is expected of you. The goal is to be a creator, not a competitor. By giving more in value than you receive, you trigger what Wattles calls the "Law of Increase."
Bringing It All Together
Think of it like this:
Your Vision and Purpose are the destination you plug into your GPS.
Your Faith is the belief that the GPS will get you there.
Your Gratitude is the fuel in the tank.
Your Efficient Action is the act of driving the car, making every turn correctly and with confidence.
The "Certain Way" isn't a magic trick; it's a formula. When you combine a specific way of thinking with a specific way of acting, you create a powerful cause that must produce a desired effect.
Ready to start? Pick one area today - your work, a personal project, anything - and try applying the Certain Way. You might be shocked at the results.
