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Lessons From Michael Jackson

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Hate him, like him, adore him or rubbish him, we all grew up to know, like and celebrate Michael Jackson. Every school had someone who could mimic him the most, almost all of us tried. In some countries where they couldn’t speak English, they claimed they knew two words of English – Michael Jackson! Michael Jackson was a phenomenum, a rare example of a mortal who hugged limelight for 45 almost uninterrupted years. Rarely do stars shine for as long as 15yrs, he trippled the rare, he was sui generis – in a class of his own. In kiddies parties in the backside of many of the countries of the world,till tomorrow, Michael Jackson uniforms are still regular features.

I couldn’t follow the CNN regular updates on his death, I was in the hospital waiting on my mum, when it happened, thankfully she is making it! It’s been difficult for me to really get my thoughts together on all the topics that are burning so hot on my mind, but for your sake I have decided to still write. I’m currently in the sun, on a bench outside the intensive care unit  of the University of Ilorin teaching hospital. Being in a hospital is an experience that balances you, close proximity with the after life brings clarity. Today, I’ll like to share a few lessons I believe we can all glean from the life of a once living legend – MJ!

1. Start Early.

This lesson is not one that is seen in only Michael Jacksons life, all the great people whose brands are firmly positioned on top of different sports started early. Tiger Woods, Serena and Venus Williams, Bill Gates, Billy Graham, Rev. Sam Adeyemi, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, e.t.c. These and many more started relatively early compared to their peers. One of the biggest advantages you can have for life, is to have experience when your peers are looking for opportunities. In any race, starting early is always an advantage that you can’t overlook. MJ started at 5, and kept rehearsing regularly, if you think about it well, he deserves all the fortune and fame it brought him. If you are reading this, some things are probably late for you already, venture into areas where starting early is still around your age.

2. Be good at more than one thing.

Michael Jackson excelled in music not because he could sing alone, but because he was also an exceptional performer. He learnt to dance and to leverage on the use of technology to develop videos that were way beyond the league for that time. In my own personal research into exceptional personalities and geniuses, I have discovered that what makes them excel is not focus on one area, but application of one area of skill into another area of knowledge. Einstein will use his imagination and artistic tendencies to excell in science, Michelangelo his geometry to excel in fine arts, Wole Soyinka his depth of Yoruba knowledge in English and so on. Don’t just sit down on one thing, learn to bring another strenght to bear on your visible skill. He wasn’t only even just a great performer, he was a business man!

3. Don’t Stay in one place

In my opinion, Michael Jackson seems the master of Tours. He learnt early to move around with his new albums and spark off the fires in more than one place. He set many all time sales records on different albums. It was a leverage of taking his brand beyond local boundaries.  All great men, are concerned about not being mere local champions, they believe their message is not just to a locality, they conciously move around to the places where they believe they must be heard.

4. Make the News

Someone said bad news is better than no news, well I think good news is best, and it’s best to stick to creating good news. Michael Jackson in his great days had albums out and in public light, his releases came well timed enough to keep his name in the news. Sadly when he wasn’t releasing new albums, he still had news out. From one scandal to one lawsuit, to facelifts, to nosejobs,  to one bizzare dangling of his baby, Michael Jackson managed to make good and bad news throughout his life. While I encourage you to ensure you always project great news, one thing I still advice is that it’s ok for people to talk about you. Positive or negative, the only person that is not talked about is the person that is useless or long dead. Don’t let what people will say or not say deter yoyu from living.

Adeolu Akinyemi

Adeolu Akinyemi

48 thoughts on “Lessons From Michael Jackson”

  1. felix
    June 29, 2009 at 4:33 pm

    He truly was “sui generis”. There has never been any like him.

    Reply
  2. Bukola Ajayi
    June 29, 2009 at 4:37 pm

    Hmmm. You’ve been able to carve out great and useful points from MJ’s short but rather eventful life…It’s worth reading up more on him and learning from him as you’ve said.

    How well God endowed the man. He was created to be famous and famous he was – good or bad.

    I particularly mourn him, especially when I read about the charitable act he was into, and also his businesses. It’s sad though, but death is inevitable. But while we’re still living, it pays to make an impact, good impact. MJ did in the world of music, dance, business, charity, fashion, beauty and so on…and he’ll never be forgotten for that.

    Great right up, sir. Thanks for bringing out these valuable points. It’s useful.

    Wish your mum quick recovery in Jesus name.

    Reply
  3. Peter Oluokun
    June 29, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    Nice points drawn out from MJ life.

    Reply
  4. Olaoluwa
    June 29, 2009 at 4:55 pm

    Micheal Jackson one of the best the world has ever seen, though he may not end well. But he will forever be green in our memory. MJ R.I.P

    Reply
  5. Christopher
    June 29, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    I cant stop thinking about M.J, and I am glad you can draw lessons from his life and deeds, thanks a lot for being so objective,some religious people were saying his life was useless because he did not accept Christ and use his talent to project God, I dont share their views. there was never an entertainer like him and there will probably not be. no one can devote so much time and energy into just one performance or video like the “King of Pop” himself. whatever he did with his God given talent was his business with his God. so whoever is having that religious view. STOP IT. and we all should just wish him a final “GOODBYE”

    Reply
  6. Babajide Adewale
    June 29, 2009 at 5:55 pm

    Michael Jackson, the great legend. there is no doubt, his impact was felt all over the world. He is a man of consistence, very focused person, I like his early years, middle life and much more how he was about to manage popularity. very few people could rise up to that level of significance and still be very humble. He is also a multi-millionaire, He is a moralist, I remember the case of Janet Jackson his sister when she released an album when she was nude, how he bought the song, label from the studio. I really prayed for him to meet Jesus before his death, I believe he did. Time will fail me to talk about his commitment to the orphanage. his love for the needy. indeed MJ is a world celebrity. we can learn so much from his life.

    Reply
  7. Adeolu Akinyemi
    June 29, 2009 at 6:29 pm

    Is it true that the guy looked like me when he looked good? 🙂

    Reply
  8. Andy
    June 29, 2009 at 7:01 pm

    Mike is simply the Best. No one like him 😀

    Reply
  9. seun olusola
    June 29, 2009 at 8:32 pm

    Ofcourse you look like him when he was black, the face, the hair and the babyface. E ku itoju mummy, its well with her.

    Reply
  10. Tomiwa Orunnipin
    June 29, 2009 at 8:50 pm

    The truth till remain that MJ lived a very successful musical career has the greatest entertainer the world has ever produced.The facts that,he never had it so smooth in his financial status is area we need to concentrate on.MJ was so blessed with enough wealth that no one could never thought that he will die as a……….The lesson i think that we should all learn is that MONEY IS NOT THE PROBLEM,but the financial intellegence that one has that really matter.Because if money had been the problem,MJ shouldn’t have been left with a debt of half a billion dollars after his death.I personally want us to take a critical look at this area and educate ourselves in the area of personal financing.FINANCIAL INTELLEGENT IS NECESSARY FOR ALL,EDUCATE YOURSELF FINANCIALLY.

    Reply
  11. Praise
    June 29, 2009 at 9:30 pm

    Oga mi May the hand of the Lord rest upon mum o and grant her speedy recovery. God bless you sir

    Reply
  12. Dele Arogundade
    June 29, 2009 at 10:06 pm

    Deolu, vital lessons. I also agree with Tomiwa on the financial intelligence issue. Its not what a man earns but what he does with it that matters. I also want to draw our attention to a salient aspect of MJ’s life. It was reported that while growing up , MJ was constantly made fun of by his father and siblings. He was always called BIG NOSE. It was reported that this always made him feel ugly as a young boy and seriously affected his psyche. But you and I know that among the Jackson 5 of those days , MJ was probably the most handsome.- with his Deolu’s type of AFRO and chubby cheeks. When he grew up and he became financially bouyant he decided to make himself look handsome. He started the series of facelifts , nose surgeries and skin make over thru cosmetic surgeries. He became prone to infections, the surgeries failed, burns at a stage he could not expose the nose again. He had to be dependent on painkillers and so on. Lesson : Despite MJ’s popularity and prowess as a legendary music guru and performer, he had a low self -esteem. Its not about the colour of your skin or the shape of your nose or height, it’s about the stuff you ‘ve got that matters. MJ was more popular than most presidents,CEOs et al. If MJ was proud of his colour and didnt want an artificial pointed nose, probably, maybe probably he could have been around for a little longer. He was cut short at his prime like a candle in the wind. Adieu to an extraordinary music icon.

    Reply
  13. TREVIS
    June 29, 2009 at 11:08 pm

    U have again x-rayed the life of MJ in such such a phenomenal way.Ur dexterity, creativity & skills have crafted this masterpiece.I will always be thankful 4 these words.e se sir

    Reply
  14. Omooba
    June 29, 2009 at 11:19 pm

    CM,

    I dont know about MJ looking like u at anytime o, but I’m sure u share about all these traits with him.

    Reply
  15. Emmanuel Utomi
    June 29, 2009 at 11:31 pm

    Chairman,

    Well said, very well said, how is your mum now, I trust all is well?

    Reply
  16. Omooba
    June 29, 2009 at 11:44 pm

    We are praying for your mum, it is well. She is whole! By HIS stripes…

    Reply
  17. damilola
    June 30, 2009 at 3:28 am

    It’s great to know that you still made out time to inspire us inspite of your family responsibilities.
    Thanks a lot.
    I have no doubt that your mum will enjoy the best of health and live long enough to see your grandchildren.

    Reply
  18. wale adejare
    June 30, 2009 at 10:53 am

    Hum!What a colossus MJ was in all his outings.You have said it well,its for us behind him to also strive to be relevant in all that we do.He came.He saw and He….

    Reply
  19. Nike Moradeyo
    June 30, 2009 at 11:01 am

    uhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmm!! Those points from MJ”s life are very cogent.What an insight!!! God bless you Adeolu.

    Reply
  20. Pingback: A1 Earning » Lessons from Michael Jackson | Self-Motivation, Personal Growth …

  21. yinka olaito
    June 30, 2009 at 12:24 pm

    Whatever is sad, MJ is a bomb. My prayer when i learnt that he died before the planned come back show in London was “God helped me stay to combine former and later glory” and go home fulfilled.

    Reply
  22. solomon James
    June 30, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    How you see points that were not seen makes me wonder, great post and speedy recovery for you mum.

    Reply
  23. Ayokunle Bello
    June 30, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    how are you?love your article.i must admit,he was one of my favorites any day any time.thanks so much 4the aarticle.means much to me.i must say “you are one crowd puller”

    Reply
  24. IKOTUN ADEBISI
    June 30, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    aincerly yours i always wonder where you get terrific realities like this one.the truth stands he was a legend and nobody has ever beaten his record. the odds are stacked against anyman that wants to be famous but he greatest news is that he served his generation with his gift and that i call leadership exclusive. I pray for qi=uick recovery for mummy in Jesus Name.

    Reply
  25. Bussee
    July 1, 2009 at 8:47 am

    CM,
    He sure looked like you when we was black and fine….minus the tummy though..:-)

    May the balm in gilead course through mummy’s veins and bring her back to the way things were before in Jesus Name.

    Reply
  26. Oba
    July 1, 2009 at 8:48 am

    Yes MJ is gone and it’s true, leaving lots of lessons for all who care to learn. Be you a parent, a child, old or young the Despite the greatness and fame, believe me MJ still has so much to offer that the world never got to see.
    However, is death however has proven to all that our dear MJ is still flesh and blood after all. So MJ is not spirit after all. The difference I see in MJ despite all that Deolu highlighted is a man given so much grace beyond any other in his time. Many others sowed; many others watered their seeds (all that though are great prerequisites) but like an Aron whose rod budded, like Joseph who led all, the last child of the Jackson family brought all to light. So much grace. Each time I think on it I bleed and weep on my inside. Weeping for MJ? May be. But, much more for myself, as I cry out, Lord I’m more than this! Oh MJ. Oh Me!
    Also, his death reminds me of somewhere after death. After all the money has been made, the fame as been framed, the talents have been staged, the flavours relished and all, there is death and a life after. Now MJ for sure can tell if Heaven or Hell is real. Whatever we do here, friends, is just in preparation for a tomorrow beyond. You will die, I will die. Death is inevitable but are you prepared. MJ goodnight or goodbye…?

    Reply
  27. Oba
    July 1, 2009 at 9:04 am

    …And shall we pray for Deolu’s mum, close your eyes all,
    It is written, ‘by his stripes you are healed’, ‘the strangers shall hear our voice and with fear and trembling be out of thier hidden places’, Mama’s body is God’s temple and whatever defiles it shall be distroyed. We pray that the blood of Jesus flow in her vains and God work through the medical officials to restore her health. In Jesus name we pray. and a louder Amen.
    Deolu please let’s all be at Mama’s nest birthday as a testimony…abi now.

    Reply
  28. Iyiola Oluyinka
    July 1, 2009 at 9:23 am

    MJ left a landmark both good and bad, it’s good to learn from his achievements and his mistakes. How is your mum doing now, it is well in Jesus name. Happy new month to you sir.

    Reply
  29. JesusFreak
    July 1, 2009 at 11:34 am

    …been waiting for this. Thank God u spoke. How is Mum. She is well in Jesus name!

    MJ is just too good. I see him as a model of a legend. Doing just what he loves doing for the good of his family, nation, black, white, children et all.

    Long live Michael Jackson

    Reply
  30. IKOTUN ADEBISI
    July 1, 2009 at 12:02 pm

    ther is an issue i like to put straight to everyone here. our value system in this country is so po that we cannot afford the remaining “or”. we do not have value for our own geuises and revolutionists. we celebrate people that do not add to our reputation capital as a nation and as such we miss the greatsest thrill of life-being proud of ones heritage. we hav the next Michael Jackson in our own Nigeria but how many of us believe in them. we are far from the zenith of greatness as a nation if do not start having value for own people and celebrating. i clebrate MJbut i celebrate people like DEOLU AKINYEMI, GBENGA SESAN, FELA DUROTOYE, KNULE SORIYAN, MIKE AREMU, MUYIWA OLARENWAJU, and many more of our Nigerian Heros.

    Reply
  31. oderinlo abidemi
    July 1, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    i’m just begginning to accept the fact that he’s gone now!
    like Dee rightly said, we all had a share of his exploit affecting our lives, young or old…. i can stil do my moon walk like mike…lol
    michael did not invent the moonwalk but he got the better of it, who ever invented the mobile fone.. never got the better of it and more
    am sad he’s gone so soon but i’ve learnt alot from every minute of his life that i know and i am not letting go on this lessons…never

    Reply
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  33. Fatukasi abiodun
    July 1, 2009 at 5:27 pm

    Chairman,you ve spoken once again,MJ is a true legend,one need to learn from his finacial status..How is mummy doing now? Quick recovery.

    Reply
  34. OMOZELE
    July 1, 2009 at 5:40 pm

    Michael’s life was a combination of success and pain. i really admire the guy for rising from abscurity against all odds to actually becoming one of the greatest musicians that ever lived. there are areas in his life i admired but there were also other areas that i wasnt too down with. well, all the same,he ceratinly will be greatly missed by many.

    Reply
  35. Adeolu Akinyemi
    July 1, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    My Mums next birthday is Dec 17, 2009. She’s coming out of this, and I’m celebrating it for all of you. Keep your prayers on, the doctors say it’s in God’s hands, and those are the safest hands in the world!

    Reply
  36. Mikespiration
    July 2, 2009 at 4:49 am

    Amen, Looking forward to the testimony. This too shall Pass!!!

    Reply
  37. Kilanko Seun
    July 3, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Thank you for these lessons you brought out of MJ’s life. The ones about starting early, valuing experiences more than opportunities and being talked about positively always are really golden lessons.

    Reply
  38. emmanuel abikoye
    July 5, 2009 at 6:24 pm

    nice point to emulate from the life of micheal jackson. But there are also some negative thing about hime.

    Reply
  39. Obinna
    July 10, 2009 at 10:24 am

    He was the best in his time…I still learning from all his tragedies of his life, I hope to be the best in/of my time…Let’s cause a CHANGE in our world…make it a better place!
    Obinna UniQuehnd

    Reply
  40. Obinna
    July 10, 2009 at 10:27 am

    He was the best in his time…I’m still learning from all the tragedies in his life, I hope to be the best in/of my time…Let’s cause a CHANGE in our world…make it a better place!
    Obinna UniQuehnd

    Reply
  41. olutola
    July 10, 2009 at 11:34 am

    good words, talking from the respectable man. waco jaco, is a man that as made history, i think am happy to be a part of this. simply put, always get doing something. Prodly Nija.

    Reply
  42. Emmanuel Danzhekaba
    July 10, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    what a wonderful analysis of MJ. Like it or not he is the great. Who will say the children are not his afterseeing them in media. Who will say he died poor, afterall the world mean nothing when U are gone. Am proud to be part of his generation, am proud to be part of his music.
    He will remain in me for life. Go rest in peace MJ.

    Reply
  43. OMOZELE
    July 17, 2009 at 6:32 pm

    his death is a great loos to us all because he rose from obscurity to limelight at a time when racial descrimanation was at its peak. it pains my heart when i read up articles in newspaper and magazines criticizing him. do not get me wrong, he made some mistakes but the fact still reamins that the guy was one of the greatest musicians of all time and for that, he should be celebrated.

    Reply
  44. syfront
    July 18, 2009 at 4:40 pm

    hey deolu!! you are the bomb,i so much like people like you whom no matter how bad people see or say about others,they still look beyond all the flaws,they see the good side first and make a lesson out of the good side.only great mind and great people do that. nobody is perfect.People sit down and re-think when you point out lessons from a life of a popular figure like MJ.Mj is just undeniably great,hes done well.i only had one wish when i heard Mj was dead, that wish was if he was able to say lord Jesus come into my heart at those few seconds before he gave up, you know what i mean, like the thief on the cross beside Jesus.Man it was a great lost, Painful but what can we do, we would all go 6feet below one day.i wish mama quick recovery, its well with her in Jesus name.

    Reply
  45. Kingsley
    July 18, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    “In my own personal research into exceptional personalities and geniuses, I have discovered that what makes them excel is not focus on one area, but application of one area of skill into another area of knowledge.”
    Well spoken! This is the crux of the matter really. What is Deolu doing if not bringing his analytical mind that made him excel in the sciences and engineering into human resource and business. This is what some of us see that make us come back here often. Oro lo so!

    Reply
  46. O'seunfunmi Adegbohun
    July 28, 2009 at 1:52 pm

    MJJ’s life and death tells us more about what can actually be achieved in so little time. I am proud of who he is. Proud he is black and proud that he lived out his dream. Although, if given another chance, according to an interview of his that I watched, he would have given all to regain the quietness of that childhood he never enjoyed. That was what he wanted to set for his children and hence the need to protect them from the ‘harsh’ public. People called him a fool but I do not think he is, you need to be Michael to know what it took to be Michael. He legacy will definitely live on.

    Reply
  47. Busayo felix
    October 15, 2009 at 12:29 pm

    I am very happy to meet such a group like this on net. Without freaking any body, Mr deolu, i must confess you are extraordinary, i.e, people that doesn’t allow their challenges to disturb what they are doing. I think we should publicise this group more better so that people of similar vision can come together not just in words alone but also in ACTION for more effectiveness. I’ve learnt alot today but an yet to sign up. Busayo felix. (busayofelix@yahoo.com)

    Reply
  48. Anonymous
    February 10, 2011 at 8:21 pm

    these points that you have poined out shows truly that you don’t only want to light him as a great legend, but as well you respect him of his actions and morals. But one thing i cannot but diagree, is that though we want to remember him as a legend for his charities, music and dance, all his actions true or not, bad or good, truly shows that he is still a human.

    Reply

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Many hold their audience spell bound with motivational speeches but few care to hold the audience by the hand and help them walk their way to financial freedom like he does. Many have failed at everything they have tried to do but everything he does turns to gold. Read more…

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