It's still shocking to me - the news of the passing of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Learning of his demise left me shocked and speechless. "How?" "Why?" "When?" were the questions that floated through my mind as a colleague broke the news to me.
I spent a good portion of the evening talking to relatives about his sudden death, watching news segments about his life achievements and challenges, and reminiscing on how his work and talent had touched my life.
The one thing that was a constant in all of the reports about Michael Jackson was his commitment and perfection for his work.
That message reminded me of a story that I had heard Nelson George relay in an NPR interview a couple of weeks ago. Nelson George shared a story about an interview he had had with Quincy Jones years ago in which they discussed the difference between the success of Michael Jackson and another artist, who, in Nelson George's opinion, was just as talented as Michael Jackson. In essence, according to Nelson George, Quincy Jones said that the reason why Michael Jackson was so successful was because he had "ass power."
"Ass power," I said out loud with a laugh as I turned the radio up a notch louder so that I could hear what was to come next.
"Ass power," from what I understood Quincy Jones' meaning to be was nothing more than the ability to stay the course, put in the time, and remain focused in order to get things done, in which Michael Jackson seemed to do whether he was in the studio, on the stage, or behind the scenes.
"Ass power," in my opinion, was a clever way of saying "have focus, be goal-oriented, exhibit fortitude, and maintain discipline," traits that all successful people seem to exhibit.
I was so amused by Quincy's phrase that I told my boyfriend, "I've got to find a way to work that into a speech."
Well, I haven't written a speech about it, yet, so I'm posting this blog instead.
As an entrepreneur, I have found myself exhibiting "ass power" on several occasions, on which, I have found myself hitting the mark and achieving success.
As I continue to run my training and consulting business and broaden my reputation as a speaker, trainer, and author, I will follow the King of Pops lead and continue to exude "ass power."
Although I am saddened that he is no longer here, I feel truly blessed to have been inspired and motivated by Michael Jackson's music, as well, as his focus, fortitude, discipline, and goal-oriented nature.
I thank him for leaving me with a legacy of "ass power" that I can emulate, exude and exhibit in my own line of business as well as in my life.
Thank you Michael Jackson.
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