Baby Boomers in the Midlife Transition: What We Can Learn from Michael Jackson
Where were you last week when you got the news about Michael Jackson?
I was on the phone with a friend who suddenly said, “The news is showing something on the screen about Michael Jackson.” We never forget where we were when we heard the first shocking news. Like 911 or JFK.
The death of someone awakens us in a way that we cannot soon forget.
Michael Jackson’s Legacy
Michael Jackson will long be remembered as the king of pop, an incredible singer, dancer and performer and an unusual personality to say the least. That is his legacy, for better or worse.
I choose to dwell on the memory of his music and the amazing dance steps he left behind. I’m glad I can still enjoy them even now. I really wish I had the chance to see him perform live when he was at his peak.
What does it have to do with the midlife transition?
So what does this have to do with baby boomers and the midlife transition? What does it have to do with you? Everything’s good. I think it’s moments like this that make us all consider what legacy we want to leave behind. It’s what midlife at its finest is all about. I know this is a question I constantly ask myself.
I’m just past middle age and still have a long list of personal and professional accomplishments to work on. Michael’s story reminds me that the legacy we leave behind is a combination of what we do and how we live our lives, both clearly midlife questions.
What will you leave behind?
Are you seriously thinking about the legacy you will leave? Are you clear on what you need to do and who you need to be to make it happen?
Dare to be bold
As a musician, Michael Jackson was surprisingly deliberate and proactive. I learned the other day that while he was a member of the Jackson 5, he told several close friends that he wanted to break through his account and become the greatest artist of all time.
Some might call that ego. But I prefer to think of it simply as an honest appraisal of the gifts you’ve been given and a compelling vision of your life and what you could do with those gifts.
So he opted at that point to piss off his brothers and quit the Jackson 5. He began working with Quincy Jones. And of course the result was “Thriller”, the best-selling album of all time!
As a singer, dancer, and songwriter, Jackson gave us all an incredible gift worthy of the endless replays that have taken place on television and radio.
But here’s the question: what if you had never decided to pursue your dream? What if she had never left her siblings and the safety of that group?
What if you had listened to your family, friends, and even all the well-intentioned logical voices saying, “Don’t be so risky. Don’t be so selfish. Who are you to think you can have phenomenal success in your life?” own self?”
What kind of legacy would he have left then?
We would probably barely remember it.
And you?
More importantly, what kind of legacy will you leave and what actions do you need to make your dreams come true? Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “Most people go to their graves with their music still inside.”
What do you know deep down that you are called to do?
Whatever it is, start today.