Recommended Reads: ‘Take the Stairs — 7 Steps to Achieving True Success’

take the stairsBy Wendy Kendall

“Take the Stairs — 7 Steps to Achieving True Success” by Rory Vaden

Given the choice, do you take the stairs or the escalator? Rory Vaden tells us that this choice will land you in two different destinations.

This book will convince you that taking the stairs is a mind-set. It’s a belief that hard work in the short run brings long-term benefits. Making the escalator choice, which requires less effort in the short run, will lead to diminished long-term rewards. The philosophy is that there are no shortcuts in life. Do the work to the best of your ability, and in the long run it will pay off in success and happiness.

A person who “takes the stairs” makes better decisions, nurtures a high level of self-discipline, strives to do the right thing and enjoys a more fulfilling life. Following the seven steps liberates your potential. The key to this philosophy is that every decision, even those seemingly small and insignificant, has a direct impact on your pursuit of success.

You’ll enjoy the conversational writing style. This book is easily read in an evening. The author leaves you with a practical action guide for applying these seven steps to your daily life. His time management advice emphasizes planning and effective use of time, in order to save large quantities of wasted time. Many of these ideas are not new. You’ve heard some of the advice in this book from others, but this author packages the advice in a practical way. Some of the steps addressed include:  attitude adjustments, defining success for you, doing what is required for your vision, doing what most people don’t do, and follow through. The real-life examples he uses are compelling.

The key message is how to avoid quick-fix traps in your life. Those are the quick, easy, short-term success mirages that are actually quagmires in the long run.  Stick to these practical, self-disciplined traits and win in the end. Resolve every day anew so the commitment to what you want, and how to get there, stays fresh and exciting. The author stresses that you won’t get results by just wanting something. You have to demonstrate a commitment to make the results happen. He wants you to take it that extra step – “I’m in, now how will I make this happen.” Action is required.

You’ll finish this book motivated and armed with a short to-do list for a quick start to action. The author all but dares you to try it.Have I tried it . . .  Yes!

And thereby hangs a tale . . .

wendy kendallWendy Kendall is a writer, project manager, wedding officiant and volunteer at the Edmonds Library. She’s enjoyed living in Edmonds for over 20 years.

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