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Take the Stairs
Book

Take the Stairs

7 Steps to Achieving True Success

Perigee, 2012 more...

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Engaging
  • Inspiring

Recommendation

When storms blow in from the West, Colorado’s cows move the opposite way to stay ahead of the bad weather. But slow cows can’t outrun storms, and they end up stuck in the rain, wind, snow and hail. In contrast, buffalo always run directly into approaching storms. As the storms blow in, the buffalo charge through them, quickly passing out of the bad weather. They keep moving no matter how bad the storm. The lesson, courtesy of motivational expert Rory Vaden, is that when life’s storms arrive, don’t run away. Move directly into the worst weather. Confront your problems head-on with faith in your ability to deal with them. Vaden’s motivational manual offers a host of ideas – some super, some a little silly – and introduces the seven strategies of his “take the stairs” philosophy. He provides a step-by-step process you can use to free yourself of mediocrity and embrace self-discipline. To help readers take his uplifting counsel to heart, he includes action items at the end of each chapter.  Vaden’s heartening, insightful guidance will appeal to anyone who’s new to self-help literature and those who are seeking greater composure, courage and accomplishment.

Take-Aways

  • The ethos behind today’s “escalator mentality” is to skip the stairs, find the easy way, take shortcuts and quit if things get tough.
  • Learn to choose the tough option, not the easy out. “Take the stairs,” not the escalator.
  • Develop a take-the-stairs mind-set by embracing seven principles: “sacrifice, commitment, focus, integrity, schedule, faith” and “action.” 

About the Author

Southwestern Consulting co-founder, sales trainer and motivational speaker Rory Vaden is the New York Times best-selling author of Procrastinate on Purpose, Daily Discipline, Sales Manager’s Edge and Top Producer’s Edge.


Comment on this summary or Start Discussion

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    F. A. 6 years ago
    It may be common advice but powerful reminder and great wisdom that will carry you to greater distance
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    R. V. 6 years ago
    Your typical dime a dozen motivational book it seems. It lacks creativity. I liked the metaphor of the cows and buffalo though.

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