Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: A Playful Blueprint for a Purposeful Life

By Kevin Carroll | A Summary and Reflection

Have you ever noticed how the most meaningful lessons often come from the most playful moments?

In Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life’s Work, Kevin Carroll takes us back to the playground—not to escape life’s challenges, but to better face them.

Through simple stories, colorful illustrations, and personal reflections, Carroll offers a fresh reminder: play isn't just for kids. It's fuel for passion, creativity, and a sense of purpose.

Carroll’s red rubber ball is a metaphor for your passion—that thing you can’t help but chase. Whether it's a calling, a curiosity, or a career path, we all need something worth pursuing with childlike wonder and relentless drive.

What’s Your Red Rubber Ball?

Kevin reminds us that everyone needs a red rubber ball—something that lights you up from the inside. It’s not always logical. It’s not always easy. But it is always worth chasing.

Here are the 7 simple, yet powerful, rules for pursuing your passion with intention, creativity, and courage.

The 7 Rules of the Red Rubber Ball

1. Commit to It

Your red rubber ball isn’t just a hobby—it’s a heartbeat. Chase it daily, not just when it’s convenient. Let it bubble up from your soul and pull you forward.

“The desire to chase must come from deep within.”

2. Seek Out Encouragers

You can’t do this alone. Surround yourself with people who believe in your dream and speak life into it. Encouragement is the oxygen of perseverance.

“Build relationships with people who are genuinely invested in your pursuit.”

3. Work Out Your Creative Muscle

Life rarely follows the script. When setbacks come, creativity becomes your superpower. Keep your imagination agile, and you’ll always find a way forward.

“Creativity is the bridge between challenge and breakthrough.”

4. Prepare to Shine

The spotlight moments come without warning. Will you be ready? Practice behind the scenes. Show up with discipline. Believe that your preparation will lead to a purposeful and impactful outcome.

“Great moments favor those who prepare in the quiet.”

5. Speak Up

Don’t let others define your limits. If the path ahead is blocked, find another route. Real leaders rewrite the script—and inspire others to chase their own red rubber balls too.

“Leaders are brave enough to speak, bold enough to believe, and wise enough to inspire.”

6. Expect the Unexpected

Plans change. Life throws curveballs. If you expect the unexpected, you won’t be paralyzed by it. You’ll be prepared to adapt and keep going.

“Chasing your dream doesn’t require perfection—it requires resilience.”

7. Maximize the Day

Each day consists of 86,400 seconds. That’s 86,400 chances to play, dream, create, and move closer to your purpose. Don’t waste them. Make play part of your strategy.

“Play is serious business—and serious business needs play.”

Leadership Takeaways: Bringing Play Into Work

Kevin has worked with elite organizations like Nike, ESPN, Disney, and Starbucks—not by tightening them up, but by loosening their grip on rigid thinking. He helped them unlock creativity, collaboration, and innovation through the power of purposeful play.

Here are two simple challenges for you this week:

• Block off time for personal play. Whether it’s reading, painting, running, or golfing—get lost in something that makes your heart beat faster.

• Find one way to inject play into your leadership. A team huddle that includes a quick game. A whiteboard brainstorm with zero judgment. A walk-and-talk meeting outside the office. Play fuels culture and creativity.

Final Reflection:

What’s your red rubber ball—and are you still chasing it?

If you’ve forgotten, it’s time to remember. If you’ve stopped, it’s time to restart.

Because your red rubber ball isn’t just about what you do—it’s about who you’re becoming.

Let’s make the serious business of leadership just a little more playful.