Today’s Holiday Musical Monday celebrates the desire for change we often associate with New Year’s Day. Thirty years ago this month, Michael Jackson released Man in the Mirror, a song about social change starting with an individual.
Man in the Mirror is one of two songs on the 1987 Bad album that Jackson did not write. Producer Quincy Jones asked a small group of writers for a special “anthem” for the album. Siedah Garrett was part of that meeting and partnered with Glen Ballard to create the hit. Garret went on to sing backup on the track along with a gospel choir.
Although it’s been reported that the King of Pop hated looking in the mirror, the sentiment resonated around the world. Man in the Mirror hit the top of the charts in 1988 and was nominated for Record of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
“I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you want to make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change”
~ Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror
As many of us consider making changes in 2018, I would like to share the three most important questions I ask my clients as a Life Coach.
1. What change would you like to make?
2. Why is this important to you?
3. How will you know that you have achieved your goal?
Research has shown that gratitude and compassion are more healthy motivators in achieving self-control than sheer willpower. Let gratitude be the foundation for your New Year’s Resolutions and compassion your compass in 2018. Happy New Year!
What difference will it make in your life to change a behavior in some way? How will you celebrate small successes throughout the year?