“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”—Shannon L. Alder
MJ’S LEGACY
Michael Jackson is arguably the most famous and influential singer, songwriter, and performer in the history of music. From childhood, he was obsessed with perfecting his craft. Michael Jackson created Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. His ability to make timeless music like Billie Jean, Beat It, and Thriller solidified his global stardom. Jackson blended pop, R&B, funk, and rock to develop a new universal sound. He used this distinctive voice to sing catchy lyrics and melodies. His stage presence gave his music life. He used groundbreaking visuals, flashy outfits, and jaw-dropping choreography to create unforgettable experiences. Medical staff stood watch at his shows because fans fainted at the sight of him.
We categorize Michael Jackson’s legacy by the iconic moments he created. One of those moments was his performance of Billie Jean on the Motown 25th Anniversary TV special. It was the first time he introduced the world to his iconic white diamond-laced glove that became a cultural fashion statement. Also, during this performance, Michael Jackson revolutionized dance by showcasing his new dance move, the moonwalk. The moonwalk seemed to defy the laws of physics. With every step forward, he smoothly moved backward.
Michael Jackson knew that everything he created was the cornerstone of his legacy. He once said, “Every day, create your history. Every path you take, you’re leaving your legacy.” That’s why he valued challenging himself creatively in every aspect of his career. Instead of making basic music videos, he created compelling cinematic narratives. When you watch his Thriller, Smooth Criminal, or Black or White videos, he takes you along a captivating visual journey. Also, instead of performing standard dance moves, he invented his iconic signature moves, such as the robot, the anti-gravity lean, and, as I mentioned, the moonwalk. Each of these moments and creations became staples of pop culture. Even after passing away, Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy continues to influence new generations of creators.
DON’T OBTAIN. CREATE.
Your legacy isn’t built on the things you obtain, it’s built on the things you create. The things you obtain are merely borrowed. After you pass away, the material possessions you own will be relinquished from your control and transferred to a new owner. On the other hand, your creations are the evidence you leave behind to let others know that you were here. No matter who owns it in the future, there’s only one creator.
Entrepreneur Felix Dennis died with a net worth of over $750,000,000. In his old age he only had one regret. He said, “If I had my time again, knowing what I know today, I would dedicate myself to making just enough to live comfortably as quickly as I could, by the time I was 35. I would then cash out and retire to write poetry and plant trees.” He learned later in life that creativity was the secret to fulfillment and building a legacy.
People rarely remember what you did, but they always remember how you made them feel. As we discussed in the Key of Sharing and the Key of Emotion, creativity is the most effective way to evoke hard-hitting emotions at scale. If you want to leave a legacy that’s remembered for generations to come, create art so impactful that your audience can’t help but think about it, talk about it, and remember it. Ask yourself: what are the most important things, other than children, you’ve brought into the world that would not exist without you? Your answer will give you insights into the legacy you’re currently building.