Rory Vaden is a name that resonates with anyone looking to enhance their productivity, master self-discipline, and build a powerful personal brand. As a New York Times bestselling author, Hall of Fame keynote speaker, and co-founder of Brand Builders Group, Vaden has made a significant impact in the world of personal development and business strategy. His books are a treasure trove of insights, offering practical advice on how to achieve success, manage time effectively, and influence others. If you’re looking to dive into his work, it’s essential to know the order of his books to fully appreciate the evolution of his ideas. In this SEO-friendly guide, we’ll explore Rory Vaden’s books in order, providing a brief overview of each and highlighting why they are must-reads for anyone serious about personal and professional growth.
Who is Rory Vaden?
Rory Vaden is a renowned self-discipline strategist, co-founder of Brand Builders Group, and a Hall of Fame keynote speaker. His expertise in the psychology of influence—defined as the ability to inspire action in ourselves and others—has earned him features in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, CNN, and Good Morning America. His TEDx talk, viewed nearly 5 million times, showcases his ability to connect with audiences worldwide. As a Rory Vaden author, his books focus on overcoming procrastination, building self-discipline, and creating influential personal brands. Ready to transform your mindset and productivity? Explore the best Rory Vaden books below to start your journey.
Rory Vaden Books in Chronological Order

Below is a complete list of Rory Vaden books in order of publication, with summaries, key takeaways, and recommendations for who should read each title.
Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success (2012)
Summary: In Take the Stairs, Vaden challenges the “escalator mentality” of seeking shortcuts and quick fixes. He presents a seven-step program to cultivate self-discipline, overcome procrastination, and achieve lasting success. The book combines motivational insights with practical strategies to help readers stay focused and tackle challenges head-on.
Key Takeaways:
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Success requires consistent effort and choosing the “hard right” over the “easy wrong.”
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Develop a “rent is due every day” mindset to maintain discipline.
Who It’s For: Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone seeking foundational self-help principles to achieve goals. This is one of the best Rory Vaden books for beginners.
Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time (2015)
Summary: Procrastinate on Purpose introduces the concept of “multiplying time” by prioritizing tasks that create long-term value. Vaden’s POP model (Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, Consolidate, Procrastinate) teaches readers how to manage time effectively, reduce stress, and focus on high-impact activities.
Key Takeaways:
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Learn to say “no” to low-value tasks to free up time for what matters.
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Strategic procrastination can enhance productivity by delaying less critical tasks.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, busy professionals, and anyone looking for Rory Vaden productivity books to optimize their schedules.
Be The Buffalo [Kids Book] (Date Not Specified)
Summary: Be The Buffalo is a children’s book that introduces young readers to the principles of resilience and taking action. Through engaging storytelling, Vaden inspires kids to face challenges with courage and determination, making it a unique addition to his bibliography.
Key Takeaways:
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Teaches children the value of perseverance and proactive behavior.
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Encourages a positive mindset for overcoming obstacles.
Who It’s For: Parents, educators, and young readers interested in Rory Vaden self-help books adapted for children.
Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue (2025)
Summary: Co-authored with AJ Vaden, Wealthy and Well-Known (set for release on July 1, 2025) focuses on building a personal brand to stand out in a crowded market. The book offers a system for mission-driven individuals to grow influence and monetize their expertise, drawing on the authors’ experience with Brand Builders Group.
Key Takeaways:
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Learn to differentiate yourself in a competitive digital landscape.
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Turn your reputation into a revenue-generating asset through strategic branding.
Who It’s For: Entrepreneurs, influencers, and professionals seeking to amplify their impact with Rory Vaden books on personal branding.
Rory Vaden Books in Order
Rory Vaden is a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and personal branding expert whose books have inspired countless readers to achieve success through discipline, productivity, and leadership. His practical strategies and engaging writing style make his work a go-to for anyone seeking personal and professional growth. If you’re looking for Rory Vaden books in order, this guide provides a chronological list of his titles, complete with summaries, key takeaways, and insights to help you decide which book to read first. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or professional, Vaden’s books offer actionable advice to elevate your life. Let’s dive into his must-read titles!
1. Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success (2012)
Vaden’s debut book, Take the Stairs, is a powerful manifesto on self-discipline and the mindset required to achieve true success. The book introduces the concept of “taking the stairs” as a metaphor for choosing the hard, disciplined path over the easy, escalator-like shortcuts that often lead to mediocrity. Vaden outlines seven steps to help readers overcome procrastination, conquer creative avoidance, and tackle the work that leads to real success. This book is a foundational read for anyone looking to build the self-discipline needed to reach their goals. It’s no surprise that Take the Stairs has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and been translated into over a dozen languages, making it a global success.
Key Takeaway: Success comes from consistent effort and discipline, not shortcuts.
2. Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time (2015)
In his second book, Procrastinate on Purpose, Vaden takes a contrarian approach to time management. While most productivity books warn against procrastination, Vaden argues that strategic procrastination can actually help you multiply your time. He introduces the concept of “time multiplication” and shares five permissions that allow readers to focus on what truly matters, reduce stress, and achieve more with less effort. This book is a game-changer for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their to-do list, as it teaches how to prioritize tasks emotionally, not just logically. Vaden’s insights have been praised by thought leaders like Jon Gordon, who called it “a game changer.”
Key Takeaway: Procrastinate intentionally to focus on high-impact tasks.
3. Be The Buffalo (Kids Book)
While not a traditional business book, Be The Buffalo is a children’s book that encapsulates Vaden’s philosophy in a way that’s accessible to younger audiences. Co-authored with his wife, AJ Vaden, this book teaches kids the importance of resilience, courage, and facing challenges head-on—key themes that run through all of Vaden’s work. It’s a great addition for parents who want to instill these values early on.
Key Takeaway: Teach kids resilience with a fun, buffalo-inspired story.
4. Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue (Upcoming, 2025)
Vaden’s latest book, co-authored with AJ Vaden, is set to be released in 2025 and focuses on personal branding. Wealthy and Well-Known promises to be a comprehensive guide for mission-driven individuals looking to stand out in a crowded market and monetize their expertise. The book will delve into strategies for building influence, creating lasting impact, and turning reputation into revenue. Given Vaden’s expertise in personal branding—evident from his work with top influencers like Lewis Howes and Amy Porterfield—this book is highly anticipated by those looking to elevate their personal brand.
Key Takeaway: Turn your reputation into a revenue-generating asset.
Why Read Rory Vaden’s Books in Order?
Reading Rory Vaden’s books in order allows you to trace the development of his ideas—from mastering self-discipline in Take the Stairs to multiplying time in Procrastinate on Purpose, and finally to building a personal brand in Wealthy and Well-Known. Each book builds on the last, offering a holistic approach to personal and professional success. Vaden’s work is not just about achieving short-term goals; it’s about creating a legacy of influence and impact.
Moreover, Vaden’s insights are backed by his own experiences as an entrepreneur and speaker. His TEDx talk, which has garnered nearly 5 million views, and his engagements with organizations like Google and the Million Dollar Round Table, underscore the credibility and relevance of his teachings.
Which Rory Vaden Book Should You Start With?
If you’re new to Rory Vaden’s work, Take the Stairs (2012) is the perfect starting point. Its straightforward seven-step framework for building self-discipline is accessible and widely applicable, making it a favorite among fans of Rory Vaden books. The book’s motivational tone and practical advice lay a strong foundation for personal growth, whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur. Ready to take action? Grab Take the Stairs today or share your favorite Rory Vaden book in the comments below!
Final Thoughts
Rory Vaden’s books are more than just self-help guides; they are blueprints for living a life of purpose, discipline, and influence. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to take your success to the next level, reading his books in order will provide you with the tools and mindset needed to thrive. Start with Take the Stairs to build your foundation, move on to Procrastinate on Purpose to master your time, and look forward to Wealthy and Well-Known to turn your reputation into revenue.
Ready to take the next step? Check out Rory Vaden’s books and start your journey toward becoming wealthy and well-known. For more insights, visit his website or listen to his podcast, The Influential Personal Brand.
FAQ
What is Rory Vaden’s most popular book?
Take the Stairs (2012) is widely regarded as his most popular book, praised for its practical approach to self-discipline and success.
Are Rory Vaden’s books suitable for beginners in self-help?
Yes, books like Take the Stairs and Procrastinate on Purpose are accessible and ideal for those new to self-help, offering clear, actionable advice.
Where can I buy Rory Vaden’s books?
You can purchase Rory Vaden books on Amazon, Simon & Schuster, or other major retailers like ThriftBooks.

