Lean Quote: Life as a Game of Juggling Five Essential Balls

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends and spirit - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends and spirit - are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.."   —  Brian Dyson, former CEO of Coca-Cola

The 5 Balls of Life

In a famous commencement speech, Brian Dyson used this juggling metaphor to illustrate the importance of balance. He explained that work is a rubber ball—if dropped, it bounces back. But family, health, friends, and spirit are glass balls—once dropped, they may be permanently damaged.

Here’s how Dyson framed it:

1. Work – A rubber ball. Jobs, tasks, even careers can recover over time.
2. Family – A glass ball. Relationships need nurturing and presence; neglect can cause lasting harm.
3. Health – A glass ball. If ignored, recovery is difficult and sometimes impossible.
4. Friends – A glass ball. True friendships require attention and care; once broken, they may never be the same.
5. Spirit – A glass ball. This includes your values, beliefs, and inner well-being. If neglected, it can leave you feeling empty or disconnected.

The Lean Leadership Connection

This analogy resonates strongly with Lean thinking. In Lean, we strive to eliminate waste, create flow, and focus on what truly adds value. The same principle applies to life: not all activities are equal. Some can recover if dropped (like work tasks), but others—our health, relationships, and inner values—require daily respect and attention.

Leaders in Lean organizations must remember that respect for people includes respecting the whole person, not just the employee. When we encourage balance, we help people bring their best selves to work. By modeling balance ourselves, we also show that productivity is not about endless hours but about sustainable, focused contribution.

The Takeaway

Dyson’s metaphor is a reminder to choose wisely where to put your energy. Work will always demand more, but family, health, friends, and spirit are fragile. As Lean leaders, we should reflect on what truly matters, protect what is irreplaceable, and help others do the same.

Balance is not a luxury—it’s a discipline. And just like in Lean, discipline is what sustains improvement over the long run.