Why We Should All Try and Be Like Batman

"Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman, then always be Batman"Batman. Whether you've never read his comic book or seen one of the many movies, everyone knows who Batman is. Batman is a character that is so embedded into our subconscious that you don't need to read the comics or watch the movies and you will still hear "I'm Batman" in passing and instantly know the reference. I also bet that most of you whispered "I'm Batman" in a deep, raspy undertone just like he does.
The takeaway from Batman is not the plethora of thought-provoking wise life lessons like, "if you kill a killer, the number of killers in the world remains the same" or "it is not who I am underneath, but what I do that defines me". The takeaway from Batman is so much more. I've collected my top 5 take aways of why we should all try and be a bit more like Batman in our daily lives.

1. He's a normal guy who can die, just like the rest of us. Yes, he's in MUCH better shape than most of us will ever dream of being and yes he inherited loads of money but all that money still never made him immortal. If Batman were to miss his grapple (he would never miss, but saying he did) and then he hit the ground from a not so reasonable height (like those skyscrapers), then he'd die! Just like the rest of us. What makes Batman superhuman however, is not an actual superpower. Batman is superhuman because of his mind. His mind is a balanced combination of sadness, anguish, conviction, brilliant genius capabilities and just a small (I understate that) of mental instability. His mind and his "why" for all he does is what what pushes him to be BATMAN and protect the people of Gotham City! Your mind, your knowledge and your expertise is your superpower.
2. He plans every step, even when things go wrong, as they usually do. Batman is stealthy, he's a planner, he's always prepared and of all things, meticulous. Does Batman enter any confrontation with Penquin with the gameplay of "I'll figure it out when I get there"? NO! Batman always has a plan, and plan on that plan and a backup plan on that! Be prepared for anything and life becomes more manageable.
3. Batman has a "person". I am not talking about Robin either. Batman has Alfred. Alfred is Batman's person. The one who knows the Batman/Bruce Wayne truths. He knows the bat mobile secrets and most of all, he is the one who helps Batman be the best he can be. We all need an "Alfred" in our lives. I personally have a young lady named Samantha (she really exists, it's just a coincidence we have the same name) and Samantha is my "person". I can talk to her about anything, personal or business and she is always a sounding board for my thoughts, ideas and opinions. What she is most important for, as my "person" is that she knocks me down when I need to be brought down a few notches. She knows what is best for me and my quality of life and what is best for me and my business and while I usually hate her advice and her suggestions, they are yet to let me down or be wrong. Find yourself an "Alfred", not a Robin. Your "person" cannot be in a similar industry (ie why Robin can't be Batman's person) but they must also have your beset interest in mind without too much emotional vested interest (ie no family or spouses).
4. He has an alter-ego.  Think about it, those who succeed most in life are able to separate personal from business. All the good superheroes have a "business version" and a "personal version" of themselves. Superman is Clark Kent. The Flash is Barry Allen. Batman is Bruce Wayne. Who is your "business version" of you and who is your "personal version"? Are you able to keep them separate? The biggest struggle of all those superheroes; Superman, The Flash and Batman, are when their two lives get too close. Separation and distinction is key!
5. Batman knows everything! This portion has 3 parts to the importance of Batman knowing everything. To start, it€™ is part of the genius and the darkness of Batman. He documents everything. Seriously, he even has files on his fellow heroes€™' secret identities and their weaknesses. Now, I'm not saying keep creepy notes on everyone, I'm just saying take records of everything you do. Take notes during meetings, calls and conferences. Set reminders of special events like client business anniversaries and birthdays. And above all...STAY ORGANIZED! Organization and success go hand in hand. If you ducks aren't in a row to begin with, it's a lot harder to get them in a row later down the road when you add more ducks to the line. That was part A. Part B, is just why he kept files on everyone, including those close to him. He was prepared for the worst. His files could not only cripple those people close to him, but it could save them too. We need to always keep in mind that no matter how close a friend or business cohort is to us, that money and power can make even the most sane person snap and lose sight of what truly matters. You need to be prepared with the materials to either bring that person who got too big for their britches back to reality, or have what you need available in order to put them in their place. Part C is vital and so easily forgotten. As business professionals and owners, we are often very trusting but we need to be cautious. Always remember to watch your backs, the most trusted relationship can always do the most damage if they choose to stab you in the back. Keep your competitors and enemies close, but your trusted partners closer.

Here are our takeaways from why we should all strive to be like Batman:

• Our mind is are our superpower, use it to the best of your ability.
• Plan and prepare for everything, don't wing it.
• Get a "person" to keep you accountable and serve as a sounding board.
• Keep your personal and business lives as separate as possible.
• Start getting organized from the get go and then stay organized.
• Don't be afraid to use what you know to bring others back to reality.
• Watch your back.

Batman is the ultimate professional. He has it all and helps so many with his lack of superpowers and general principle of using an internal driving force as your motivation. We should all strive to be ourselves, and yes the best person of ourselves, but we should also strive to be more like Batman. Batman is the better superhero regardless of his lack of superpowers. That IS what makes him the ultimate superhero.

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