Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success [Hardcover]

Rory Vaden (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 7, 2012

Do you ride the escalator-or take the stairs?

No matter how you define success, it always requires one thing: self-discipline. But as popular speaker and strategist Rory Vaden explains, we live in an "escalator world"-one that's filled with shortcuts, quick fixes, and distractions that make it all too easy to slide into procrastination, compromise, and mediocrity. What seems like an easier path is really much harder in the end-and, most important, it won't take you where you want to go.

How do successful people stay focused and achieve results? This lively and insightful guide presents a simple program for taking the stairs-that is, for overcoming the temptations of quick fixes and procrastination, conquering creative avoidance, and transcending personal setbacks in order to tackle the work that leads to real success.

Whatever your goals are, Rory Vaden's proven approach will get you there-one stair at a time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I always say that personal finance is only 20% head knowledge and 80% behavior. Behavior change is hard, because it requires something a lot of people are missing these days: self-discipline. If you want to make a change in your money, business, or relationships, do not miss Take the Stairs. It gives you the tools you need to take control of the only person holding you back: yourself."

—Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show and bestselling author of The Total Money Makeover

"This book won't let you off easy-and that's why it's great. Rory Vaden gives readers what they need to get focused and tackle problems head on- and win."
—Keith Ferrazzi, bestselling author of Never Eat Alone

"This book shows how to develop the courage, character, and determination to succeed in anything you attempt. It can change your life!"
—Brian Tracy, New York Times bestselling author of Eat That  Frog

"Take the Stairs is a compelling and challenging call for all of us to accomplish greatness. It not only shows you how to make self- discipline more sustainable, it will reignite your passion to achieve."
—Andy Andrews, New York Times bestselling author of The Traveler's Gift

"A gem of a book that will inspire you to do the little extra things that make a huge difference. Buy it!"
—Chester Elton, bestselling co-author of The Orange Revolution

"If there is one book to read this year, this might be it. It's at the core of everything. Brilliant. Significant. Necessary."
—Roxanne Emmerich, bestselling author of Thank God It's  Monday!

"Motivating yourself is a key to success in all of life. Read this book and your fighting spirit will come alive!"
—Mac Anderson, Founder of Simple Truths and former owner of Successories

"Don't be fooled. There is no escalator to the top. This book will tell you the truth about what it really takes to become a massive success in every area of your life-if you choose to Take the Stairs."
—Darren Hardy, publisher of Success magazine and bestselling  author of The Compound Effect

"The easy way is never the excellent way. For get rich quick or wish upon a star, go elsewhere. For an agenda for excellence, read this book. Rory gets it."

—Mark Sanborn, bestselling author of The Fred Factor and You Don't Need a Title to Be a Leader

"This isn't a book of cheerleading and motivational platitudes. This is the book that can change your life. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to take quality of work and life to a higher level."
—Joe Calloway, bestselling author of Becoming a Category of One

"Do you have a career worth loving? Rory Vaden will give you the ideas, insight, and inspiration to create a career worthy of your greatest potential."
—Sally Hogshead, author of Fascinate and founder of  HowToFascinate.com

"Rory's Take the Stairs book is an encouraging message of hope and truth that can really help you improve your life. Read it as soon as possible!"
—Tom Ziglar, CEO of Ziglar Inc. and proud son of Zig Ziglar

"Pure and simple, this should be the only book on the shelf in this category-because it's the only proven way to achieve authentic, sustainable success. Buy this book and heed this message!"
—David Avrin, author of It's Not Who You Know - It's Who Knows  YOU!

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"Take the Stairs identifies the specific strategies that will help you get past procrastination and fear to accomplish anything you desire."

"You can't spend 30 seconds around Rory without getting inspired to change your life. You're about to spend a few hours with him. Get ready."
—Jon Acuff, bestselling author of Quitter: Closing the Gap Between Your Day

About the Author

Rory Vaden is a Self-Discipline Strategist who relates profound truths coupled with humorous anecdotes that empowers professionals to conquer their fears and take immediate action in all aspects of their lives.



As an author, and business motivational speaker Rory's unique insights have been shared on Oprah radio, in Businessweek, Publishers Weekly, and in SUCCESS Magazine. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399537236
• ISBN-13: 978-0399537233
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 0.9 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rory Vaden MBA is a Self-Discipline Strategist, Cofounder of the international training company - Southwestern Consulting, and a New York Times bestselling author.

His insights on improving self-discipline, overcoming procrastination and enhancing productivity have been featured on Oprah radio, CBS Moneywatch, CNN, CNBC, Fox and Friends, in Businessweek, Entreprenuer, Fast Company and in SUCCESS™ Magazine. His new book "Take the Stairs: 7 Steps To Achieving True Success" released as #1 on the USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Wall St Journal Best Seller lists and #2 on the New York Times.

Rory is a member of the National Speakers Association and out of 25,000 contestants, became "The Toastmasters 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking 1st Runner Up." Rory is now on a "Take the Stairs World Tour" where he is taking the stairs to the top of the 10 tallest buildings in the world to raise money for America's high schools. More at www.roryvaden.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 49 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Success Means Doing What Others Won't" February 7, 2012

By Dustin M. Hillis

Format:Hardcover

After reading "Take The Stairs" I can honestly say that my perspective has changed.

My perspective on how I approach business, my family, my friends, and life.

In business I apply Rory Vaden's principle of "The Law of the Pendulum" and am always reminding myself that if there is something I need to do... to just do it now! Pick up the phone, send the thank you card, read the book, etc.

In my family life I apply the "Rent Axiom". When it comes to being a good husband and father... I'm always reminding myself of Mr Vaden's idea that "success is never owned it's rented, and the rent is due everyday". And his joke is true... some days the rent is higher than others. :)

With my friends I'm always thinking about "Pain Paradox Principle". Knowing that if I don't make a decision everyday to be a good friend and make good decisions when spending time with my friends that the consequences of my small decisions that bring pleasure in the short term can have drastic effects in the long term.

In life I have truly found myself literally and figuratively taking the stairs. If there is something I don't want to do, I remind myself that "success means doing things that others won't".

28 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Commitment February 7, 2012

By Amy Y. TOP 500 REVIEWER

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've stayed up til almost 5am to read this book. This book has given me a good kick in the rear, which I've needed.

As close as I can describe, this is not your ordinary 'self-help' book. I don't necessarily agree with everything Mr. Vaden says in this book but it truly is full of some incredible wisdom and true, memorable gems.

This is a book for those of us who have either gone soft and quietly taken our lot or possibly for those of us who have worked hard for success and happiness yet still feel we are missing the mark. There is a great deal to be absorbed here. Read the first chapter on the kindle page for free and see if it speaks to you- it definitely did to me. If it doesn't capture you then it may not be the book for you as it continues in a similar vein.

Complacency and half-a**ing it have become the status quo for many in our society. It would be nice to blame our leaders, our government, the banks, the price of tea, etc. but this isn't really about that. This book is about deciding what you want then to do what you can to achieve your greatest success through hard work, commitment and self-discipline.

The author has broken the book up into several sections-the intro, chapters based on his 7 steps, an epilogue of some very impassioned encouragement to make a commitment to yourself and those around you and then (yes, a little more self-helpish) an action guide for implementing the steps. Some of that I could do without but the overall message is important: we have become soft and we need to do something about it. The happiness/success fairy is not going to magically bestow the life to which many believe they are entitled upon them. Vaden

For me, the commitment aspect hit me hard- possibly because I am an equestrienne and horses taught me early on that if you are going to go over a jump or decide to go somewhere, you must commit- or you fail at best, get seriously hurt at worst. The book is a quick read and Vaden pulls in numerous examples he calls 'case studies'. While anecdotal, they do a great deal to help understand his steps and point of view.

The author applies numerous economic principles (short run vs. long run, opportunity cost) and applies them in a psychological/sociological way. I highly recommend. I do want to warn that the author self-promotes his personal coaching program and supplies web references at the end of many chapters that I have not had a chance to vet out yet. I'm not a big fan of the whole self-promotion thing but Vaden has lots of good things to say. I think someone with a discerning mind and an interest in changing life-either in small or big ways- who can sift their personal grain-from-the-chaff will enjoy this book.

Maybe a quotation from the author will sum it up best despite its self-helpy nature: "Create accountability in your life. Share your vision with someone who can encourage you, develop action plans with people who can help you, invest in your dream--and you'll be amazed at how quickly your fear, entitlement, and perfectionism begin to fade."

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Stairway to Success February 7, 2012

By Kimberly Novosel

Format:Hardcover

Rory Vaden's Take the Stairs isn't just a book. It isn't a system that you'll try and forget over time. It is truly a new way of thinking that becomes natural the more you practice it, so much so that you won't believe you hadn't been thinking that way all along. I have found myself to be more productive in work than ever before, more joyful in my time with family and friends, more rested in my down time, and all around more driven and satisfied with life. You may hesitate to read this because you're afraid of change - most people are - but face this new way of living, your own set of stairs, boldly. You'll be so glad you did!