Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Work 
asked by willie on November 2, 2006 2:42 AM
With simple but delightful storytelling, Kevin Carroll channels his childhood passion for sport and play into a universally appealing blueprint for life. Drawing wisdom from the playgrounds of his youth, where he spent hour upon hour sharpening his body and his mind, Carroll shares with readers his Rules of the Red Rubber Ball how to achieve maximum human potential through the power of passion and creativity. Finding your own red rubber ball and chasing it to your hearts content, he argues, is the surest route to peace, prosperity, and happiness. Over the years as an athletic trainer and public speaker, Carroll has transformed his philosophy into seven simple rules that any successful leader will endorse: 1) Commit to it 2) Seek out encouragers 3) Work out your creative muscle 4) Prepare to shine 5) Speak up 6) Expect the unexpected 7) Maximize the day With an award-winning design and color photos throughout, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball will inspire the child in everyone for generations to come.
Reviews
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I read this book on the suggestion of someone I know and trust. I pre-ordered it and received it "hot off the press" and was able to take it with me on a recent trip outside of the country. I saved it for my return flight when I knew I would be tired and perhaps need some inspiration, and I am happy that I did.
As is often said, don't judge a book by it's cover. I thought the book was going to be cute and perhaps contain a few nuggets of wisdom, but what I found instead was my new manifesto for life and living. Kevin does a great job providing background information (from whence he came) to frame his ideas and suggestions, but where many authors leave off, he takes it to the next level.
If I had to encapsulate the entire book into a few words they would be "planning, passion, perseverance, play and perspective". It was obvious that he had a plan (not a rigid, fully-detailed roadmap, but rather a general idea of what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be, he was passionate in his pursuit of his goals, he persevered when the times got tough or circumstances changed, he made sure his life's work was fun and not just a job, and he always viewed what was happening as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop rather than an insurmountable challenge or roadblock.
This book doesn't offer a new or wildly revolutionary plan for success, rather it keeps it simple and offers some common sense ideas on how anyone cna lead a richer and more fulfilling life. It is simple, well written, fun to read, and something that I will not only read again and again, but will offer to my friends and colleagues to help remind them why they are doing what they are.
As someone who lives and works just outside of Philadelphia, his stories of growing up and working in the area added some additional relevance to the story for me.
I think this book is destined to be a classic in subject area, it's simple elegance should allow it to stand the test of time.
As is often said, don't judge a book by it's cover. I thought the book was going to be cute and perhaps contain a few nuggets of wisdom, but what I found instead was my new manifesto for life and living. Kevin does a great job providing background information (from whence he came) to frame his ideas and suggestions, but where many authors leave off, he takes it to the next level.
If I had to encapsulate the entire book into a few words they would be "planning, passion, perseverance, play and perspective". It was obvious that he had a plan (not a rigid, fully-detailed roadmap, but rather a general idea of what he wanted to do and who he wanted to be, he was passionate in his pursuit of his goals, he persevered when the times got tough or circumstances changed, he made sure his life's work was fun and not just a job, and he always viewed what was happening as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop rather than an insurmountable challenge or roadblock.
This book doesn't offer a new or wildly revolutionary plan for success, rather it keeps it simple and offers some common sense ideas on how anyone cna lead a richer and more fulfilling life. It is simple, well written, fun to read, and something that I will not only read again and again, but will offer to my friends and colleagues to help remind them why they are doing what they are.
As someone who lives and works just outside of Philadelphia, his stories of growing up and working in the area added some additional relevance to the story for me.
I think this book is destined to be a classic in subject area, it's simple elegance should allow it to stand the test of time.
reviewed by spiderman on November 17, 2006 12:25 AM
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Clever, witty, and inspiring. This light-hearted, fun to read little book is packed with life lessons and insights that grow out of the years we all spent--at recess--playing dodge ball, tether ball, and other games of life using the staple of child hood, the Red Rubber Ball.
Not only is the content an engaging and encouraging read, the production and layout are exciting. From thick cardboard cover with an actual red rubber ball patch in the center and all the way through--great graphics, delicate and artistic design. RotRRB is a great little book just to hold and thumb through. Visually stunning it was originally published using old-fashioned "letter press" as a promo for a sports company, but took off. Thank the Lord the new publishers reproduced the original graphics and design!
Get one to carry around and peek at everyday--after you've worn out your second copy of ORBITING THE GIANT HAIRBALL that you've been re-reading and scribbling in for so long.
Not only is the content an engaging and encouraging read, the production and layout are exciting. From thick cardboard cover with an actual red rubber ball patch in the center and all the way through--great graphics, delicate and artistic design. RotRRB is a great little book just to hold and thumb through. Visually stunning it was originally published using old-fashioned "letter press" as a promo for a sports company, but took off. Thank the Lord the new publishers reproduced the original graphics and design!
Get one to carry around and peek at everyday--after you've worn out your second copy of ORBITING THE GIANT HAIRBALL that you've been re-reading and scribbling in for so long.
reviewed by vegaswinner on November 28, 2006 3:35 PM
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The product was excellent; delivered quickly with excellent customer service. I was very impressed. Thank you.
reviewed by tubi on November 29, 2006 8:32 AM
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After recently purchasing this book, I was so enthusiastic about its inspiration and clarity, that I bought another as a gift for a 16-year-old young man whom I thought could grasp the important messages that author Carroll is sending. However, I kept feeling that something was missing from this motivational story. What I realized is that Carroll is not only successful today due to allowing his inner strength and voice to help lead his way through life, but he also had strong contributions from others (his Grandmother, teachers, etc.) while creating his way. Unfortunately, with today's culture of "It's all about me," Carroll doesn't plant the idea anywhere in this book that once you realize your goals (or even during the process), part of the journey might include you becoming that teacher or "encourager" that he suggests you should seek out when finding your dream. I'm certain that the author does indeed give back, no doubt by setting an example for others, if not actively being involved in community service. But, adding a Chapter 8 with a message that finding and sustaining your life's work is just as much about changing yourself as it is at the same time how you can affect someone else's life by giving back. Whether it's donating your time, money or skills, contributing to your community completes a fulfilling and meaningful life. You can bounce that red rubber ball all by yourself, or you can share it with others.
reviewed by fusionz on November 29, 2006 7:18 PM