Why Superman Is The Ultimate Entrepreneur

Superman is a comic book icon — an American hero in every way, shape and form. He has been around since the 1930s and has weathered the years unscathed, continuing to entertain comic book fans and kids alike. Kal-El is often looked at as the most “human” superhero. Obviously, his super-human skills make him anything but simply a man, yet the way that he responds to and is capable of experiencing human emotion is greater than any other superhero in existence.

This got me to thinking…what would Superman, or rather Clark Kent, be like if he decided to put down the cloak, take off the spandex and become an entrepreneur? Not so surprisingly, it turns out that Superman has several traits that would make him an amazing entrepreneur — traits and skills that we could all learn from. Here they are:

1.He is passionate and has a strong sense of purpose.

Superman lives his life with purpose. He created a place for himself in the world and has given his life meaning. Being the only person of his kind on planet earth can be depressing — but Superman makes sure to keep his sh*t together and focuses on his passion. Every entrepreneur, in order to be successful, must feel passionate about what he is doing. The life of an entrepreneur isn’t as glamorous as many people believe. Yes, it allows you the freedom to decide what hours to work and yes it allows you to answer to no other person other than yourself.

However, the amount of hours you will need to work will be much higher than your regular 40-hour workweek, so picking what 80 hours a week you would like to work does not leave for much wiggle room. Also, while you may be your own boss, your company is your baby and requires constant attention. In a way…you are your company’s bitch. This is why successful entrepreneurs feel that the entrepreneurial path is the only path they can travel. They believe it to be the right path, their purpose. If being an entrepreneur is not your purpose, then don’t force an attempt—you will fail miserably.

2. He has strong morals and is incorruptible.

Superman is known as being the “boy scout” superhero. He is kind, thoughtful and resolute. In the world we live in today, the only entrepreneurs that will make a difference will be those with strong moral values. The world has seen enough corrupt CEOs in the last decade or so to last a lifetime. Transparency is now expected from all companies; the larger the company, the more the public wants to see the inner workings. Large bundles of money can prove to be a lustful temptress. In order to ward off the temptation, entrepreneurs must have their morals set straight.

3. He is compassionate.

Compassion is often underrated. Superman, for example, only rarely gets the praise that he deserves for the amount of care he gives to those living in the city of Metropolis. Nevertheless, it is an important trait — regardless of whether or not we get acknowledged for it. Today, it is no longer seen as permissible to simply be in business for the money — entrepreneurs are now expected to give back to either their own communities or give to those around the world that are in need. Although they may not get praise for it, compassion toward those less fortunate is seen as a necessity for those in the field of entrepreneurship.

4.He is hopeful and keeps positive.

Life has ups and downs, no matter whether you are Joe Shmoe or Superman. Being an entrepreneur is difficult because of the mental burden that such a career carries. More often than not, an entrepreneur will have investors backing his project. This may seem like a great alternative to bootstrapping, but if you think having your own money on the line is stressful, imagine having a group of people looming over you watching and counting the minutes until they will receive a return on their investment.

Having others putting pressure on you mixed in with the stress of starting any business is more than most people can handle. If you want to go into business on your own, make sure that you are capable of keeping a positive outlook on things. If you cannot remain positive and hopeful then the sheer stress alone will finish you off.

5.Determined and strong willed.

Can you take on a project from start to finish, no matter what? Superman can — and you’ll have to if you plan on being an entrepreneur. People will tell you that you can’t do it or that it can’t be done. Others will tempt you to take a night off, to slow down and to relax. Life will throw sh*t your way and you won’t always be able to dodge the bullets. If you get hit, do you have the will to keep moving forward?

Are you determined enough to achieve the goals that you wish to achieve? How much can you take? Where is your breaking point? In order to succeed, you must become unstoppable — because believe you me, people and life itself will try to stop you. No one will make it easy for you to be great.

6.He is cool-headed, but if and when he does get angry, all hell breaks loose.

Superman is known for being strong-willed, strong of stature and focused beyond belief. He keeps a cool head in situations where most would blow a fuse. Being able to keep cool under pressure and under insult is a trick of the entrepreneurial trade — poker face it. However, if Superman gets pushed too hard and too far, the devil himself sh*ts his pants. This is the fire that must burn inside you if you wish to be a leader.

You must keep cool most of the time, but when those rare situations arise when people are pushing you too hard, then put them in their place. There will be those that try to test you and see if they can take advantage of you. Be respectful, but don’t allow yourself to be walked over. If the tough gets going…show them who’s boss.