It's undeniable. Michael Jackson was a creative genius. And the mark of a true genius is the ability to inspire other people through their work. To push boundaries and show everyone that the impossible is indeed achievable. The passing of the King of Pop has prompted me to reflect on how MJ can still inspire us and our creativity.

There's a lot of things that we can learn from his example, but here are the top 5:

1. It All Starts With THE MAN IN THE MIRROR.
Whenever you have an idea, a goal or a project, you have to remember that it all starts with you. If you see something wrong with your world, don't complain about it. Fix it. Think about how you could change things to make it better. And then do it. Some of the best ideas are born out of the fact that people decide to fix a problem.

2. It Doesn't Matter If You're BLACK OR WHITE.
Or a high school dropout. Or an investment banker. Good ideas can come from anywhere. Don't get caught up in the prejudices put on by stereotypes. Just because someone wears a suit and a tie to work doesn't mean that they don't have an artistically brilliant mind. Always be open to hearing what insights people can offer. Everyone has different life experiences, which lead to different ideas. One of them might be the right one for your brand.

3. If You Hit A Creative Wall, Just BEAT IT.
Run! Get out of there. The best thing to do if you get writer's block or hit the "wall" is to change your surroundings. Don't be afraid to call it quits on a creative area. Because to be creative, you have to be inspired. And you get inspired by experiencing different things. Most of those things aren't in a boardroom, or an office. So, beat it. Get out to a park or a coffee shop, and try it again.

4. Stay The Hell Away From DIRTY DIANA.
There are people in all creative industries aren't here to create. They are in it for the image. They saw Mad Men and want to hang out in advertising for the daytime drinking, sexual harassment and cocaine. Or they got into film to rub shoulders with celebrities and drive a Porsche. What they don't do is help you creatively. They distract your focus from the work and the thinking to all of the frivolous perks. So ignore the Dirty Diana's and concentrate on developing great ideas.

5. Whenever You Feel Lost, Remember That YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
People are friendly. They like to help. Don't be afraid to ask for it. Often, the barrier between the success and failure of a pitch is that people are too nervous to ask for help. So whenever you are unsure of a strategy or looking for fresh perspectives, flex your network and involve as many smart people as possible.

And one final thought. Take the time to listen to these songs and hear the lyrics. They might be smarter than you may have originally thought.

Click here for The Man In The Mirror.
Click here for Black Or White.
Click here for Beat It.
Click here for Dirty Diana.
Click here for You Are Not Alone.

- Christian ideadrunk.com