Great Potential

Since learning of Michael Jackson’s recent death, I’ve been thinking a lot about potential. I believe that Michael fulfilled much of his potential. He is one of a handful of entertainers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice and has over a dozen Grammys. He released 13 number one singles. Thriller is still the best-selling album ever, and three-quarters of a billion MJ records have been sold. Impressive. In addition to his exceptional accomplishments as an entertainer, Michael was also a generous philanthropist and donated millions to charities.

Michael’s prolific success makes me wonder about the seeds of greatness. If one man was compelled to create in such abundant quantities, what does that mean for the rest of us? Surely, we weren’t left out, right? There must also be something amazing, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring within each of us that, if tapped, would truly light up the world. This doesn’t mean, of course, that we all need to be rock stars – or even famous. But if you were to truly fulfill your potential – what would that look like? How could you brighten your corner of the world?

An easy way to think about this is to use the “rocking chair test.” If you’re sitting on your rocking chair at age 90, remembering back on your amazing years, what would you be most proud of? Having a close-knit, loving family? Starting your own business? Graduating from college? Starring in a movie? Becoming a mentor? Creating your own charitable foundation? Being an effective leader of a team? Traveling the world? Helping others grow and heal? Writing a novel? Joining the Peace Corps? Making people laugh? For me, when I sit on my rocking chair, I want to look back and see a life where I was increasingly able to love myself and others more purely. I want savor the memories of individuals inspired to seek and find the beauty in and around them. Ultimately, in some small way, I want to play my part to help heal the world. Michael clearly had a similar desire and gifted us with this song…