“Man in the Mirror:” What are you reflecting?
One day, I was getting things done around the house and listening to my Michael Jackson Pandora station on my iPhone. One of MJ’s famous songs came on called “Man in the Mirror.” In that moment, the chorus just hit me with its powerful message:
“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”
I have heard this song and sang it numerous times. But for some reason, this day, I realized what an impact this truth could have on students. Every child, everywhere should hear this message.
This ME generation is hyper-focused on what can others do for them instead of what can we do for others. Complaints override solutions. But as MJ reminds us, if we want something to change, we have the power to make an impact by changing ourselves first. Take a good look at yourself- what don’t you like? what do you want to change? Go do it. What are you waiting for?
I love the idea that we can grow to become our best selves through reflection: “if you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself.” You are the change. So decide what needs an improvement and then make a plan, NOW. It could be your attitude towards tithing at your local church; it could be your ideals about the racial divide across the country; it could be your social circle of “sit and complain”ers… whatever it is, it starts with you. Recognize the problem.
Can you imagine the impact this would have our future if we became problem solvers by self reflection through the betterment of ourselves?! Wow- now thats powerful!
MJ put together a stunning video (see it here) that highlights the effects of poverty and senseless crime that has and is occurring around our world. Video and pictorial snapshots are shared of major historical events we have overcome as well as showcasing the religious and political leaders responsible for such change.
But, anyone can make a change without it having to be a highly publicized event. Small changes have power too. That’s the message I want kids to hear. You don’t have to end world hunger, but you can wake up every morning with a positive attitude and put your best effort into your studies. That models to peers the proper mindset and actionable steps to become a successful scholar. That change will pick up momentum and before you know it, social circles will be focusing on becoming college bound instead of planning the next brutal and unwarranted bullying attack. The most influential change happens with one step. So, make that step today.
Below are the rest of the lyrics to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” song. I changed the color of some important phrases to blue. These are the message statements that anyone, anywhere can read to remind themselves that change can begin with an ordinary person with just one ordinary act or mindset shift.
I’m gonna make a change
For once in my life
It’s gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
As I, turn up the collar on
My favorite winter coat
This wind is blowing my mind
I see the kids in the streets
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind?
Pretending not to see their needs
A summer disregard, a broken bottle top
And a one man soul
They follow each other on the wind ya’ know
‘Cause they got nowhere to go
That’s why I want you to know
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
I’ve been a victim of a selfish kind of love
It’s time that I realize
That there are some with no home, not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me, pretending that they’re not alone?
A willow deeply scarred, somebody’s broken heart
And a washed-out dream
They follow the pattern of the wind ya’ see
‘Cause they got no place to be
That’s why I’m starting with me
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
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 that
Change!
I’m starting with the man in the mirror
(Oh yeah!)
I’m asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
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 the change)
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
You can’t close your, your mind!
That man, that man, that man, that man
With the man in the mirror
(Man in the mirror, oh yeah!)
That man, that man, that man
I’m asking him to change his ways
(Better change!)
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 the change
Oh no, no no
I’m gonna make a change
It’s gonna feel real good!
Chime on!
(Change)
Just lift yourself
You know
You’ve got to stop it
Yourself!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
I’ve got to make that change, today!
Hoo!
(Man in the mirror)
You got to
You got to not let yourself
Brother
Hoo!
(Yeah! Make that change!)
You know, I’ve got to get
That man, that man
(Man in the mirror)
You’ve got to move! Chime on!
Chime on!
You got to
Stand up! Stand up! Stand up!
(Yeah! Make that change)
Stand up and lift yourself, now!
(Man in the mirror)
You know it!
You know it!
You know it!
You know it
(Change)
Make that change
Help your students start reflecting today. What do they see when they look into the mirror? Who are they and what will they become? How will they get there?
Click on the icon below to use this classroom resource to start the discussion and help students put action into motion.
What change are you going to make about yourself that will benefit those around you?
What impact are you going to have on your community with this change?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.
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