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Certain Success

Written by Norval A. Hawkins

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About this book

"Certain Success" by Norval A. Hawkins is a self-help guide aimed at individuals seeking to achieve success through the mastery of salesmanship, written in the early 20th century. The core premise of the book is rooted in the idea that success is not reserved for those with inherent talent or luck, but can be cultivated by effectively selling one’s own capabilities. By honing skills in self-promotion, the author posits that any deserving person can unlock their potential and attain the success they desire. The opening of "Certain Success" introduces the concept that both success and failure can be influenced by specific characteristics and actions. Hawkins emphasizes the necessity of personal development alongside the art of selling oneself, making the case that many who appear deserving of success often fail due to a lack of awareness or skill in showcasing their qualifications. The text sets the stage for a practical exploration of sales principles, encouraging readers to view themselves, and their qualifications, as marketable goods in their pursuit of opportunity and success.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Certain Success, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • uplifting
  • motivational
  • practical

Norval A. Hawkins's "Certain Success" is an early 20th-century self-help guide that champions salesmanship as the quintessential skill for personal achievement. It posits that success is not an inherent trait or a stroke of luck, but a cultivable art accessible to all deserving individuals through effective self-promotion. The book encourages readers to perceive their unique capabilities and qualifications as valuable, marketable assets in the pursuit of opportunities. By mastering the principles of sales, Hawkins argues, one can bridge the gap between potential and realized success, actively shaping their destiny rather than passively awaiting recognition. It sets a practical framework for personal development intertwined with strategic self-advocacy.

“Success is not a gift, but a cultivated art, mastered by those who learn to sell their own capabilities.”

Key themes

Salesmanship as a Life Skill
This is the central tenet of the book, arguing that the principles of selling are not confined to commercial transactions but are universally applicable and essential for personal advancement, career development, and even social interaction. It reframes sales as the effective communication of one's value, ideas, and capabilities.
Personal Development and Self-Mastery
The book emphasizes that effective self-promotion must be built upon a foundation of genuine self-worth and continuous improvement. It argues that one must cultivate internal qualities, skills, and a strong character before they can credibly and successfully 'sell' themselves to the world. Success is not just about external presentation but also about intrinsic value.
Agency and Opportunity
This theme underscores the belief that individuals possess the power to shape their own destiny. It posits that opportunities are not merely stumbled upon but are actively created or seized through proactive engagement, strategic preparation, and assertive self-advocacy, thereby challenging notions of fatalism or passive waiting for luck.

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