When Resilience & Authenticity Collide: A Short Story About Michael Block
Prologue - The traditionally slow game of golf gave us a forever story written in a few days time with one protagonist that has been waiting years to break into his role as a primary cast member.
Chapter 1 - What’s Your Title?
Most of us had never heard of Michael Block before yesterday, unless you are a member or his home course or a friend or family member. Just because we do not recognize his name from leaderboards and PGA tour stats does not take away his title of being a “Golfer.” Maybe you relate and your title is still waiting on it’s big break.
Chapter 2 - Learning to Stay the Course in Life
When we watch famous people who have made it big, either in achievements, earnings, sports pursuits, inventions and investments, sometimes it seems easy, or maybe they got lucky. Envy sometimes sinks in and reminds us that we wish we could possess such power, potential or notoriety.
Call it luck, or call it persistence and thousands of hours of practice and hitting the right shot at the right time. By the 4th round of the PGA Championship, Michael Block was well on his way to making sure people knew his name. He played lights out golf the entire week.
“Entering the final round of the 2023 PGA Championship, one could argue the biggest storyline was that of Michael Block. The 46-year-old PGA club pro sat at even par and tied for eighth as he tee’d off for his final round. He became the first club pro to start the final day of a Major inside the top 10.”
Chapter 3 - A Light Out Round Deserves A Lights Out Moment
As if it was not enough to start the day off on the #1 tee with a raucous Rochester standing ovation, the pinnacle of one’s career was 14 holes away despite a little slump in the middle. He was paired with 4-time PGA Championship winner, Rory McIlroy. Yes, he got to play the round with a “superstar” but also got a “slam dunk” hole in one on #15 that literally disappeared. If you want chill bumps, here is the video Michael Block Hole in One
Chapter 4 - Resiliency
Michael Block teaches people how to play golf. That is his entire job. He knows the game, plays the game and loves the game. He is 46. Past his prime and most people would have probably told him, maybe even himself included, his chance at PGA tour golf is out of reach. But what if there was one chance? One moment? One opportunity (not quoting Eminem) to do something great with all the passion, knowledge and experience you have created in your professional career. Would you stay the course to experience it? At what point do you give up on something that maybe isn’t making enough money year to year, something that seems like more work than what it is worth, something where you seem invisible or irrelevant? What if your big break is days away? I think if you know it is possible, something in your gut keeps you focused even if other people think you are crazy.
In a room of other optimists, I promise you we could put a plan in place to solve the world’s problems. Why always an optimist? I would rather expect goodness than to perpetually be waiting on the negative to come to fruition. Pessimism reminds me of a gray cloud floating above one’s head blocking the sun, jading their view to light, hope and warmth. I want to live in the sun.
Michael lived in the sun yesterday. His joy and gratitude as he was “mic'd up” was tear jerking for all involved. He performed as if he had been there hundreds of times. It was impossible to not celebrate, whether a spectator or fellow player. A story for the ages that reminded us all of the hard work and effort put into achieving success. Rarely do things fall in your lap. Success without sacrifice, hard work and failure is often unheard of. Success does not need to be easier to attain, we need to be stronger, more resilient humans. This is the exact advice I would tell my kids if (and when) they do not make the grade or make the team. Responsibility lies with self. Easier achievement dilutes success and impedes resilience.
Chapter 5 - Authenticity
Words of advice to Michael from his wife Val, “Stay loose and be your outgoing self.” She commented to the press, “I always believed in his game. I loved his swing. He has it. He doesn’t need to pretend to be someone that he’s not. And finally, finally, he came and that’s who he is.”
Keep close the people in your corner that love and know you best, and encourage your true authentic self. Success comes when you are best positioned to do what is most natural to you, playing off your expertise and passion.
In a world where you, your business or your brand can craft any story through written content, pictures and videos posted online or to a website, craft the story that is uniquely and authentically yours. Perhaps a simple, real and accurate story is much more admirable and respectful than an elaborate, embellished one that leaves people questioning the veracity, potentially jeopardizing all credibility.
The reason the golf world immediately gravitated towards Michael Block is he was 100% himself. He was emotional, jovial and poked humor at his need to up his charge per hour/per lesson upon returning to his “day job.” He was relatable. He gave hope to so many people in similar positions. He wasn’t prideful, but he was confident.
But the best part of it all was his desire and resolve to enjoy every moment, and have fun. Work is not about having fun, hence the name work, but enjoyment and satisfaction in your work make it possible to be your true, authentic self. To watch someone lead doing what they love is an easy person to follow. To observe a person who knows their work and leadership are transformative is both inspiring and refreshing. The people you are leading; would they be able to say you enjoy your role?
Authenticity requires transparency and realness. But, I think in a world where we have lost sight of life portrayed in truest of colors; “the good, the bad and the ugly” people are retreating back to a place where they feel comfort knowing they can have a bad day, but also knowing that any future day could be the best day of their life!