LIKE MOM ALWAYS SAYS, FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS

By Brooke Pearl

Dream big. Reach for the stars. Never give up. These are all words of inspiration every child and teenager has heard at least once growing up. But what or who gives them that inspiration to dream big, and how do they figure out what that dream is? Does it come from a pep talk from Mom, a pat on the back from a best friend or an A+ on a math test? For popular author Kevin Carroll, his inspiration sprouted from his favorite toy as a child—a red rubber ball, which led him to ultimate success.

In his book, Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, he provides readers with a personal story about discovering his life’s ambition early in life—on the playground with his symbolic red rubber ball. Every child has a dream of being either an astronaut, a worldfamous football player, the glamorous Miss America, the untouchable Oprah Winfrey or the next Michael Jordan. Whether it’s a space suit, football, crown, television celebrity…or a red rubber ball, every child starts off with a certain passion in life they just can’t get enough of. When you have an open mind and welcome new experiences and ideas, Kevin says, you will discover your true passion and life’s work. It’s following that passion that takes the dreamers into reality.

But what is inspiration and how do you find it? “It’s the thing that really tickles your brain and captures your imagination,” Kevin says. “It’s something that won’t let go and has some type of relevance and connection to you.” If you have more than one passion, he advises taking it one step at a time. Plan strategically and keep the topic as broad as possible. Feel out all the options so other opportunities aren’t missed. After you find a job or career you love, talk to people in that field. A good way to start would be to ask them how they began their career.

Once you’ve picked your passion, surround yourself with encouragers— teachers, friends, parents and counselors who add to your social network and provide positive feedback. However, if you’re struggling with who you are and what your passion is, he encourages you to sample different professions and try new things. He also says revisiting childhood and thinking back to what made you happy may ultimately lead to your “innocent moment of inspiration.” And being able to see yourself in the end-state is a necessity in order to turn that passion into a real life ambition. “We’re clever, imaginative and crafty,” he says. “We’ll find a way if we want it enough.”

As Kevin got older, his love for sports grew. He became more and more excited about being a professional athlete. It gave him a sense of courage and confidence he had never experienced before. He knew what he wanted out of life, and he’d do whatever it took to get a few more minutes of playing time. This determination and passion eventually led him to Nike where his sole job was to inspire, a position that was created by him—the Katalyst.

Throughout his seven years, he was an instrumental player in the creative department, including the inspiration behind the Lance Armstrong wristband marvel. The job was exciting for him because he’d been living his dream since the moment he found the red rubber ball. Inspiration and creativity only escalated from there.

Since working for Nike, he has started his own business, The Katalyst Consultancy, where he encourages creative and innovated ideas—thinking outside the box. The “K” in Katalyst stands for Kevin, which is his own creative quirk. His ultimate goal is to be the 21st century Bill Cosby, a trusted storyteller and the Oprah Winfrey of sport and play. It’s evident that passion and commitment can take you far.

In his book and as a motivational speaker, Kevin swears by seven guidelines that will help dreamers find and follow those dreams and ultimately turn them into a reality. By following his own list of rules, he has reached and exceeded many goals and dreams in his life. His red rubber ball and his life’s work are now one in the same—the ultimate success, and it’s something, he says, everyone is capable of achieving. “We all have a unique gift, talent, destiny to offer up, and it will take you places you never thought possible.” Here’s a preview of his seven effective strategies.

Commit to it.
Your red rubber ball is the heart and soul of who you are. It’s the meaning of your life and the passion for it. Live it; go for it; and never look back. Don’t please others; please yourself.

Seek out encouragers.
Throughout your journey, find those who support and believe in you and your red rubber ball. Those people will be mentors and teachers, supplying you with knowledge and wisdom for your success.

Work out your creative muscle.
Take your passion to new heights. Stretch the boundaries to see how far your dream will take you. Don’t take things too seriously. “Look at the world with the innocent eyes of a child by approaching everything in your life with wonder, not assumption,” Kevin says in his book. “Be playful.”

Prepare to shine.
Preparation is the key to success. This means doing everything you have to do and don’t want to do in order to move forward in life. It’s doing “the lonely work,” as Kevin says, that no one will notice but you. Just remember, practice makes perfect.

Speak up.
Challenge the “normal” boundaries and try new things. If you have questions, ask. Don’t be afraid of failure—it’s a learning experience. Only you can put your life back on track.

Expect the unexpected.
Roll with the punches knowing coincidence can happen. Embrace it. It may strengthen your faith in who you are and what your passion in life is.

Maximize the day.
Opportunity surrounds us everyday. Keep your eyes open and take advantage of them whenever you can. Live for each moment. Learn from everything and everyone. Don’t ever let your red rubber ball go flat.

It’s funny how metaphors can be something as simple as a red rubber ball signifying an entire life’s journey. After all, it represents the very thing that makes life worth living for each and every day. It captures the imagination and opens your eyes to new creative ideas. Once passion is found, you’ll see the world in a whole new light. So, how do you start your journey? Simply begin by asking yourself this one question: What’s your red rubber ball?

Whether your inspiration comes from a space suit, crown, celebrity or, like Kevin, a red rubber ball, let it lead you to a passionate life full of happiness and success just by doing what you love. Anything is possible for anyone. “I just really believe that circumstances don’t dictate your destiny,” Kevin says. So, dream big; reach for the stars; and never give up.