Be Batman: A Resolution

“Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman…then always be Batman”.

I've heard this quote mentioned several times of late. I’m not sure who it is actually a quote by; I've seen several different answers. Whomever it is by, it’s meant to make us laugh, and tickles the comic book geek inside of us.

Let’s seriously examine this statement though. I think everyone can take some value in aspiring to this ideal.

Now hold on…don’t get too riled up. “Matt, you charming so and so, are you suggesting that we put on tights, never sleep, and go out and fight crime?”

Well no for several reasons (although it sounds like a rousing Tuesday evening activity). I don’t actually recommend it because you would end up in the loony bin in real life. You are also not bulletproof, nor are you a comic book character. I don’t mean to deflate your state of wonderment or ability to imagine as I have a wild imagination myself however, I felt it poignant to write the disclaimer: DON'T GO FIGHT CRIME IN TIGHTS AT NIGHT. Maybe during the day...maybe not in tights. Whatever, do what you want, I'm just not telling you to.

If you are interested in a good, ultra-realistic look at what it would take to actually do what Batman does, then you should read this: “Becoming Batman: The Possibility of a Superhero” by E. Paul Zehr.

It is a fairly technical read about anatomy and physiology among other things but is very interesting to the true geek like myself. I highly recommend it.

All that aside, here is why we SHOULD all try and be Batman. Batman does the impossible, but what is most inspiring about him is that he is a mere mortal. He’s a man that has dedicated himself to constant improvement. He has adopted the ideal that he will become the best version of himself possible.

I think that this is a great ideal to aspire to. If you can commit to becoming better and really stick with it, then you are not only helping yourself but everyone around you. Adding value to you adds value to your relationships, including friends, family, and work. You should always seek to better yourself.

We should never limit ourselves. You can learn anything, do anything given enough time and commitment. The problem often is in the commitment of course.

Personally, I am a mind freak; I enjoy absorbing as much information as possible. Outside of my profession I still learn as much as I can. My only problem is deciding what exactly I’d like to commit my time to (outside of work). I've come up with a way to solve that problem for myself.

LISTS!!! At work and at home I create lists and prioritize my actions. Time is limited and I have many interests. I realize not all of them help me professionally, but I do enjoy them nonetheless.

As an example, I will show you the entire list that I made for myself for the New Year. It is a checklist that I print out week to week and attempt to finish each week. If I check off most of the items (85% or higher) I am doing good. I realize in some areas I’m a bit overzealous. I recommend making your list and then adapting it as you go. But definitely make the list in the first place.

When I make a list, especially a checklist, and commit to grading myself afterward, I am more likely to complete the items on the list. A lot of it is stuff that I love to do, some of it is stuff that I need to do, but all of it is necessary to me personally: Mind, body, spirit, juju, whatever you want to call it. Do it for fun, do it for your family, most importantly, do it for you. Make it fun, make it important, make it necessary.

So make your own list. Everyone will have a different list. Here is my personal “Becoming Batman” checklist (don’t judge me).

THE BATMAN CHECKLIST

Matt’s Weekly Achievement Schedule (For Dates): ______________

*Every Activity must be done at least once per week at the minimum number of minutes (You can go longer and activities mentioned more than once must be done on separate days)

I. Exercise:

*Intermittent plyometric exercise and stretching are also required.

☐ Cardio/Stretch 30

☐ Cardio/Stretch 30

☐ Strength/Stretch 30

☐ Strength/Stretch 30

☐ Strength/Circuit/Stretch 30

II. Theory

☐ Biology Fact/Principle 15-30

☐ Chemistry Fact/Principle 15-30

☐ Physics Fact/Principle 15-30

☐ Business/Law/Economic Theory 15-30

☐ Math Exercise/Principle 15-30

☐ Computer Science (Programming Principle) 15-30

☐ Music Theory 15-30

III. Practice

☐ Electronic Tinkering 15-30

☐ Mechanical Tinkering 15-30

☐ Computer Programming 30-45

☐ Stock Market Research/Practical Econ 15-30

☐ Drawing/Illustration/Animation 30-45

☐ Music Technique (Scales Piano/Guitar/Violin) 15-20

☐ Music Technique (Scales Piano/Guitar/Violin) 15-20

☐ Music Composition/Recording 30-60

☐ Music Composition/Recording 30-60

IV. Languages

☐Foreign Language Study 15-30

☐Foreign Language Study 15-30

☐Foreign Language Study 15-30

V. Reading

☐ Fiction Modern 30-45

☐ Classics/Literature 30-45

☐ Non-Fiction Subject Mastery 30-45

☐ Non-Fiction Subject Mastery 30-45

☐ Article Reading Wall Street Journal 15

☐ Article Reading Wall Street Journal 15

☐ Article Google News Science/Tech/Business 15

☐ Article Google News Science/Tech/Business 15

VI. Writing

☐ Personal Journal 10-15

☐ Personal Journal 10-15

☐ Business Article on Linked In 30-40 * Every Other Week

VII. Misc Skill Based Physical

☐ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 30-60

☐ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 30-60

☐ Karate 30-60

☐ Gymnastics 30-60

VIII. Sanity and Appreciation

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Daily Meditation 10-15 *Daily Activity

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ Verbalize What I am Thankful For 1-5 *Daily Activity

☐ Nature Observance/Walk 10-15

☐ Nature Observance/Walk 10-15

☐ Charity/Volunteer/Donate 30-60

So to conclude: Yes I'm insane, but the idea stands true. Make a list for yourself, stick with it. You'll be surprised what you can become!