Man in the Mirror

Who it's for

When problems feel too big, the song shifts attention from what can't be controlled to what can, an internal locus of control that turns helplessness into a concrete first step.

Feelings it meets

• Motivation
• Feeling Stuck
• Moral Injury
• Identity
• Uncertainty

What it is

"Man in the Mirror" is a gospel-pop song by Michael Jackson from his 1987 album Bad, released as the album's fourth single in January 1988. Written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard and produced by Quincy Jones with Jackson, it calls on listeners to look honestly at themselves and commit to being the change they want to see in the world.

Where to find it

Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music (widely available); official music video on Michael Jackson's YouTube channel.

Before you start

Age: All ages

But believe me, my dear boy, there is nothing stronger than those two: patience and time, they will do it all.Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace, Chapter XVI (tr. Louise and Aylmer Maude)