Today is September 11 and the Navigate the Chaos question to consider is “When your dream is derailed for years do you give up or find another way?”
People who navigate the chaos sometimes have to wait many years before they can translate their dream into reality.
Michael Hirsch learned how to navigate the chaos when a life-threatening illness made him battle for six long years before he could achieve his dream of playing college football for the University of Michigan.
Hirsch suffered from GPA, Wegener’s Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, a form of vasculitis. The rare blood vessel disease was on the verge of attacking his kidneys, where it does permanent damage to many.
After countless tests, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries and a difficult recovery period, Hirsch managed to graduate Harvard in four years with a degree in economics and land a job on Wall Street but never played on the varsity squad at Harvard due to his illness.
While living in New York Hirsch placed a goal sheet on his mirror: Play football at Michigan. Bench press, squat total, get stronger, faster, bigger. Get in touch with U-M coaches, then get a tryout shot. Get medically cleared. Touch the Michigan banner.” His hard work, dedication, and grit helped him maintain a grueling schedule of working from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the office, 6-8 p.m. in the gym and 8-midnight in the books. It all had to stay quiet.
The university and football program had to accept him, the NCAA had to clear him, and Citi had to release him on a sabbatical.
Hirsch eventually took an unofficial visit to Michigan and told coach Jim Harbaugh his story. After Hirsch got a preferred walk-on offer (no tryout) and was accepted to the school, U-M’s compliance department helped guide him on his long application road. Harbaugh called with the NCAA approval a few months later.
Albert Einstein noted “Your imagination is your preview of life’s coming attractions.”
Hirsch imagined playing football for the University of Michigan. What’s in your imagination?
When your dream is derailed for years do you give up or find another way?”