Michael Jackson has a lot more to teach the world than how to moon-walk and I learned a great deal from watching this guy create his career over my lifetime. His commitment to greatness at his trade, his willingness to persist despite adversity and the genius level at which he performed are things that would benefit all of us. Consider that just one of his CD’s, “Thriller,” sold 60,000,000 pieces! That is an unprecedented number, never before achieved and unbelievable when you compare it to other artists. By comparison, all of Lionel Ritchie’s CD’s combined sold 100 million. Michael Jackson was not just an incredible performer but a Super Salesman and marketing genius. He was always getting outside the box, willingness to do what others would not do and then he would go all the way.
Say what you will about this man, ridicule him for his eccentricities, judge him for the zoo at Neverland and jump on the bandwagon of all the media attacks if you want to, but you gotta’ admire him for his commitment, persistence and willingness to put himself “way out there.” Any of us that would dare to operate at those same levels would achieve phenomenal results in our own lives. It is that level of commitment and dedication to your career and your dreams that is necessary to create your own personal greatness!
Focus and Commit fully with all your thoughts, actions and activities on what it is you are doing right now! Commitment requires not talk but a daily commitment to what you do and becoming great at it despite adversity, despite challenges and despite what others consider possible. To stay way above the “fray” and the “noise” and commit to getting greater results than the rest of the world thinks possible even when things are tough. Hopefully you and I will never be challenged with some of the problems that Michael Jackson was presented with in his life but you will be faced with challenges. And when you are going through your own challenges you will allow them to either consume you or use them to make you stronger, better, faster and greater.
For most of the world this current economic environment is a great challenge for us. Your livelihood and financial security is at risk and your business requires a complete new level of energy and effort. Bad news is everywhere, negativity is the norm, banks are backing up and consumers for your products and services are more selective and lack confidence in making decisions.
While this period of time is challenging it is also presents an even greater opportunity for those that apply the right actions! Now is the time to decide on greatness and not be complacent. Now is the time for more action in the face of less activity. Now is the time to invest more time and money in developing your skill set while the rest of the world finds someone else to blame. Now is the time to solve problems for yourself rather than wait for someone to solve your problems. Now is the time to expend energy, effort and resources while others withdraw and become apathetic.
I don’t know what is true and what is not regarding all the negative stories on Mr. Jackson nor do I give any of it much attention. What you cannot deny is this is a man that came from nothing and became known to the entire world. His commitment to his dreams, the pursuit at becoming great at his trade and his willingness to go all the way should both be admired and modeled by anyone that wants to make their dreams come true. Get anywhere near that kind of commitment that Michael Jackson made, pursue each day at becoming better at your trade, go all the way and take actions outside the norm and you will create greatness in your own career despite the challenges you face in the current environment. I dare you to match this King of Pop’s commitment level but please, keep your ‘moonwalk’ and your version of ‘Billie Jean’ to yourself.
