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Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Workx$5.64
  (28 reviews)
Best Price: $5.64
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.
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Customer Reviews
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Bounce the Red Rubber Ball to Someone Else
By A13BB50ZW5MSHC on 2006-06-13
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.
Fantastic little powerful book
By A1RDXUNO251NFQ on 2008-06-19
I loved this book which is cleverly illustrated. It put a big smile on my face! Certainly inspirational in a very light but profound way Kevin Carroll takes us through his journey with the Red Rubber Ball (pages have colorful drawings and excellent design) and how he has found inspiration to shine in his life while making a difference in the world and going for his dreams. With his seven simple rules he has accomplished a lot (along with well-being), Carroll is an athlete, one of the first afro-american NBA's trainers, speaker and has a leadership position at Nike. All because he followed his passion for the Red Rubber Ball... He talks about every day being a chance to look for something unexpected and about making life our playground to have fun in whatever we are passionate about. I say that is a pretty miraculous way to go through life and reminds me of the work of Ariel and Shya Kane. They are catalysts for having a brilliant life regardless of the circumstances, their books Working on Yourself Doesn't Work: A Book About Instantaneous Transformation, How To Create a Magical Relationship and Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment as well as their 3 Principles of Transformation are excellent guides to live a fun fresh life full of opportunities, right here right now no need to wait for the future. If you're interested in having your life be magical and fun, creating opportunities and living to the fullest, I highly recommend checking out both Carroll and the Kanes.
Find your ball...don't take it and go home!
By AJKE2X7VGBEKF on 2005-09-28
This is a surprisingly fun and simple read, but the message is oh so powerful. Kevin Carroll talks about finding your passion, whatever that is, and finding a way to turn that into your life. For many of us looking for our passion, this book serves as a reminder to never give up, no matter how silly it might seem to others. Don't take your ball and go home...Find it and play with it as much as you can!
Lots of fizz, not a lot of flavor
By A1Y3DDLM0BAJTP on 2006-12-09
I had heard a podcast that had Kevin Carroll in it and thought I would buy this book. Although the presentation is very creative, the book as a whole didn't do much for me. This guy seems to be a very high energy person and is probably motivated very easily by his own writing style of color and interesting pages, but that's all it seems to be to me is to be a rah-rah book and didn't teach me me a whole lot. It is a quick read and has quite a few power quotes, but it just didn't do it for me.
Simple book, deep meaning.
By ASK3L8BRLHF3P on 2006-11-08
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.
- Simply Awful...
By A1SRO33U6YZYXW on 2007-05-03
All fluff and no substance. If you read the book, there is one thing I can guarantee. After two days you won't remember one word of it, nor will it make any difference to your business.
- Success via the path of perseverance
By A1WB1BZNOQORRB on 2005-10-08
Encounter here the story of a man challenged by vicissitudes and his rise to success. The same private school where the author sneeked into to play basketball as a kid hired him to be their coach as an adult. I'm telling you that you haven't seen graphics telling a story so beautifully as it is done here. Bruce Mau, DK books, move over. Even in the size of a paperback it's my candidate as favorite coffee table book. The attitude and delivery on the thought of perseverance makes this a book with a backbone of steel.
- Kevin is a dynamic writer and speaker
By AMQEG543Y3FAT on 2005-11-14
I recently heard Kevin speak at the International Career Development Conference. I am a Career Counselor and work with clients all the time on finding and obtaining their dream/passion. This book is very powerful! I will add it to my list of best books for those seeking greater fulfillment in life.
- High fluff, low substance
By AI9AO21GO52VH on 2007-07-04
Anyone who has done any serious self-analysis of their career, values, and place in life will probably find that this doesn't offer anything new. The author is very self-absorbed and rah-rah, and I understand that some people consider his writing to be motivational. If nothing else, he is a good salesman for being able to hawk this short, insipid book at a $14.95 list price.
If you're looking for substance, there are plenty of other books on this topic that can offer it. ("Finding Your Perfect Work" by Paul and Sarah Edwards comes to mind right offhand . . . . ) However, I'm sure some people don't want to -- or can't -- read anything that complex, and others lack self-motivation and need to hear cheerleader talk. For them, "Red Rubber Ball" is a good option.
This book could also be given as a cutesy graduation present for snoots who would be offended by Dr. Seuss' "Oh the Places You'll Go" yet who are too video-game stultified to comprehend or even sit through the writings of more substantial self-actualization gurus like Epictetus or Stephen Covey. In other words this would make a good humorous gift for people with no sense of humor, which is the only reason that I gave it two stars instead of one.
- Excellent Design and Advice
By A2IF5F3904X6NH on 2006-03-25
Great book, the design and layout made it a pleasure to look at and to read. The advice is much like you would get in many self help and career books but the presentation makes all the difference here.
- Bouncing Higher!
By AHBGEP14FV5ZQ on 2007-02-09
Not sure what to expect, I was delighted with "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball"! Here is a man whose focus is clear -- and he understands how he got where he is enough to help others bounce higher than where life would otherwise land them. A very quick read, an excellent tool for those who want to help themselves and others succeed that should be read more than once.
- Rules of the Red Rubber Ball
By A7C8OPQT844CY on 2007-04-11
I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Carroll speak in person just yesterday here in Okinawa, Japan. He was amazing. I'm not one to be interested in motivational speakers. I do not get inspired by things of that nature. However, Mr. Carroll was different. He had a way of reaching out to his audience, personally, emotionally, and of course with his free Nike gifts. I was lucky enough to receive his book as a free gift at his talk. I have since read it and would have paid well over $15 for this tiny little, pocket-sized book. It make look playful inside, that is his goal, and it may seem childish, but the message and dreams that come from the book are priceless. I highly recommend this book and if you have the chance to see Mr. Carroll speak in public...go!
- Good Motivator!
By A37I1U9HSY2PX4 on 2006-02-23
I really enjoyed this fun, extremely quick read. I plan on giving them as gifts to students of mine going off to college. Although, I wish he had elaborated more on his life since. Kevin Carroll is a motivational speaker who goes all over the world meeting people and finding what inspires them. Many of the pictures in the book are of balls he obtained in his travels. I would have loved to hear more about how these were obtained and what he had learned about the people who use them.
- A bouncing playground of inspiration
By A1CE2N0OO2XWAJ on 2006-11-01
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.
- A Must Read!
By A382ZVDFWFK4RS on 2006-03-07
Absolutely inspiring. It doesn't matter what your background, everyone will find something in this book to benefit from.
- What a great book!
By A2YIGH60FZ1MQ7 on 2007-01-18
I really enjoyed this book. I am always looking for motivational books to recommend to those in my business. This book had a great message and was fun to read. It was just the right length and had interesting pages that kept me reading. I can see myself reaching for this book and its message often. What a great book!
- best 10 minute read ever
By A2XTHDTP2H9AKK on 2007-05-29
One of the best 10 minute reminders of what it is all about. Fun, energizing and a blast to share! Buy two at a time, you'll want to keep one for yourself!!!
- Quick inspiration for your own personal journey
By A2PPTTBO0Z4K1K on 2007-07-20
A colleague of mine gave me the book after seeing Kevin at a recent conference. I hadn't heard of the book. The cover texture was interesting. Yet, I didn't pick it up immediately until I saw a BlackBerry ad featuring Kevin Carroll. The coincidence was enough to make me go grab the book and I didn't put it down until I was finished. Although "ROTRB" not a lengthy book, it is intriguing, engaging, stimulating and thought-provoking. It's a great read for anyone who is commanding their own personal journey. The short bursts of inspiration didn't overwhelm me, rather they served up just enough information that my own thoughts had to kick in. Because of the circumstances of me obtaining the book and finally picking it up, I was amazed when I saw the quote on pg. 86 "One way to {embrace the unexpected} is to be on the lookout for, and respect, coincidence. I do not necessarily believe in fate, but, for me, coincidental occurrence strengthens my belief that I'm on the right path." The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball was a pallatable dose of inspiration that will continue to fuel my own personal journey.
- rules of the red rubber ball
By AGMK7E4YA78DB on 2007-01-04
Beautiful design and an immense source of inspiration. Tom Peters mentioned this little book as one of his favourites and I must say I agree completely. An exceptional designed businessbook.
- Have you found your Red Rubber Ball yet??
By A16K8RHMDKUNZD on 2007-07-22
Although written very simply and easy to read in an hour or so, its meaning and power go very deep. Best read a couple or three times in quick succession to make sure the simple message but powerful ideas sink in properly. Both inspiring and motivating this book may be just the one to kick you in the "proverbial" and get you on track and make something of your life.
It's all about finding your deepest PASSION & interest about something you do (or want to do) in life, committing to it & then staying the course & not listening to the doubters & naysayer's (no-hopers) in life that've already given up & are already halfway through digging their own miserable grave.
Clearly set out & simple to understand & follow rules in the book help & guide you on the right course & keep you their. Keep it by your bedside when you need something to inspire you on those occasional gray "down" days when you may be feeling a bit negative.
It's worth a hundred or more of those other so-called Self Help copycat Positive Mental Attitude books. It's written by someone who's already been there & done it!
Are YOU stuck in a rut?? Get this book NOW & start a new life, for you, your family and those closest to you (your real friends). This book may be short, but so is life, so get going RIGHT NOW!! & buy this book.
- Red Rubber Ball Book - Customer Service Review
By A12Q73WDGYIOGF on 2006-08-25
The product was excellent; delivered quickly with excellent customer service. I was very impressed. Thank you.
- Rules of the Red Rubber Ball
By AST2GH2O8DAQE on 2007-08-13
This is a great book to remind, motivate and inspire us to play, enjoy life and do what makes our hearts sing. I found this book to be fun and inspirational!
- Review: Rules of the Red Rubber Ball
By A2ADJQ29KNID9X on 2007-12-27
Interesting story in this little book, but I don't think it's lived up to my expectations based on reveiews I read prior to purchasing it.
- Perfect gift for grads...or anyone needing inspiration!
By A22ATSRAU81UYW on 2008-06-12
Whenever I need a pick-me-up, I read through this amazing little book...and then I'm ready to take on the world! Kevin Carroll has a great story about growing up and pursuing his life's passion. (He eventually became a trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers and a world-traveling inspirational speaker for Nike.) His insights and encouragements in "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" are helpful for anyone who knows what they love to do but aren't sure how to make a living out of it. My wife and I buy a bunch of copies of this book every year as a gift for graduates, but it also makes a perfect gift for anyone with a dream they want to pursue.
This book is short, and it's full of colorful artwork and creative layouts, making it fun to read. The cover of the book actually has a cut-out circle of red rubber ball material. It's great!
- REJUVINATING
By AG57FGABI0HDI on 2008-06-15
I have read this book several times...it is engaging, fun and rejuvinating. I have given copies to my sons,my son's friends, friends, family and co-workers.
If you have the opportunity....buy this books, share it, give it as a gift!
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