Extracted from "Movers, shakers, Moaners & Groaners
The Zen Buddhists have a doll called a "Daruma". Similar to the Russian Babushka in appearance, but it has "a rounded, weighted base. The philosophy is: "You may strike me over seven times, but I will stand up an eighth". It is encouraging that even though life appears unbearable at times, we have the ability to stand up.

Furthermore, the Daruma has no pupils, and has a small hole in the head. Once you have discovered your purpose, mission or calling in life, however simple, you write it down, roll it up and pop it into the head of the doll. Only then are you allowed to colour in one of the pupils. The doll has the face of a warrior. Assertive, maybe even somewhat aggressive, it remains a constant reminder of your purpose. You are encouraged to take it with you, put it on your desk, in your briefcase, on your fridge, on your bedside table. Only on satisfactory completion of the objective, you colour in the other pupil, determine another goal and start again with another doll. Your collection becomes a testament of achievement and progress.

In sports orientated cultures, we hear advice from people telling us to "bounce back". Consider the philosophy of these "ball" metaphors. They serve to remind us to get on with our lives, even when there are low times. Like "keep the ball rolling", "keep the ball in the air", "pass the ball" and "have balls". I like "playing the ball and not the player", "the ball is in your court" and "keep your eye on the ball". In his book "How High Can You Bounce?" Roger Crawford encourages others to "play to win, not to avoid losing". None of this "winning isn’t important stuff". Remember, only the winners get rewarded.

The entrepreneur, Tony Factor is a prime example of a mover and shaker. A Daruma. He was criticized, faced enormous challenges and hurdles, displeased the establishment, but would always bounce back. Throughout his life, he was a remarkable model resilience - of how to triumph even when the odds were against him. He was a man with a mission. My personal logo is a red bouncing ball.

Consider this; you cannot score goals without balls!

Updated 23 Dec 2009