Superman Wears a Costume. As We All Do.

Superman’s costume is his brand -iconic, recognisable, and loaded with meaning. But here’s the thing: it’s not the costume that makes him different. It’s what he stands for while wearing it. The costume is a symbol, but the real power lies in the story it tells.

For us, the takeaway is this: your “costume” (your brand, your outward identity) isn’t about being flashy or perfect. It’s about being authentic and intentional. It’s not about blending in with the sea of capes—it’s about standing out with a story that resonates.

He Isn’t Great at Time Management, Always Focused on the Urgency at Hand.

Superman’s Achilles’ heel isn’t kryptonite - it’s his reactive nature. He’s always putting out fires (sometimes literally) instead of addressing the root causes. Sound familiar? This is the trap of “better.” It’s the endless cycle of doing more, faster, harder - without stepping back to ask, “Is this the right game to play?”

The CreActivist® approach flips this script. It’s not about reacting to the noise; it’s about creating a strategy that rewrites the rules entirely. Superman could learn a thing or two about long-term planning and building systems that prevent the fires in the first place.

He Rarely Works to Change the Foundational System He’s Part Of.

Superman is a hero, but he’s not a disruptor. He operates within the system, patching its cracks instead of questioning its foundation. This is the difference between being “better” and being different. Better keeps you in the same race, fixing what’s broken. Different steps outside the race entirely and asks, “What if we built something new?”

For you, this is the heart of your ethos. You’re not here to play by the rules of the system—you’re here to challenge them, rewrite them, and create something that makes the old system irrelevant.

Supervillains Exist in Opposition to Him and His Work.

Superman’s villains are defined by their relationship to him. Without Superman, they have no purpose. This is a powerful reminder that being “better” often traps you in a cycle of comparison. You’re constantly measuring yourself against the competition, letting them define your moves.

But when you’re different, you escape this trap. You stop playing the game of “better vs. worse” and start creating a category of one. Your competitors can’t touch you because you’re not even in the same arena.

He Has a Closely-Guarded Secret Identity.

Superman’s secret identity is his vulnerability. It’s the part of him he hides to protect himself. But here’s the thing: vulnerability isn’t a weakness - it’s a superpower. When you show up as your full, authentic self, you build trust, connection, and loyalty.

For your brand, this means leaning into your truth, even when it feels risky. People don’t follow perfection -they follow realness. They follow the guide who’s unafraid to say, “This is who I am, and this is why it matters.”

Reputation, Trust, and Good Work Are at the Heart of His Brand.

Superman’s brand isn’t built on his powers—it’s built on his values. People trust him because he shows up, does the work, and stays true to his mission. This is the essence of differentiation. It’s not about shouting louder or being flashier—it’s about being consistent, reliable, and unapologetically aligned with your purpose.

He Misses Home. His Uniform Is Made from His Baby Blanket.

Superman’s longing for home is a reminder that even the strongest among us need roots. His uniform, made from his baby blanket, is a symbol of where he comes from - a connection to his past that grounds him in his purpose.

For your brand, this is about staying connected to your “why.” It’s about remembering what drives you, what you stand for, and why you started in the first place. That’s the foundation of a brand that resonates.

When Technology Evolves, He Gains New Powers.

Superman adapts. He evolves with the times, gaining new abilities as the world changes. This is a lesson in staying relevant—not by chasing trends, but by embracing innovation that aligns with your mission.

For you, this means staying sharp, curious, and open to new ideas. It’s about using tools and strategies that amplify your difference, not dilute it.

The Bechdel Test Is Rarely Passed. We Can Tell Better Stories.

Superman’s stories often fall into old, tired tropes. But here’s the opportunity: we can tell better stories—not by following the same formula, but by creating narratives that are bold, inclusive, and deeply human.

This is the power of storytelling in your work. It’s not about recycling clichés - it’s about crafting stories that challenge the status quo and inspire action.

His Best Exploits Involve Thoughtful Strategy. The Punching Is Boring.

The punching is the spectacle, but the strategy is the substance. Superman’s most impactful moments come from his ability to think, plan, and act with purpose.

For your brand, this is a reminder that noise without meaning is just noise. The real power lies in thoughtful, intentional moves that create lasting impact.

When It Counts, He Shows Up with Bravery.

Superman’s defining trait isn’t his strength—it’s his courage. He shows up, even when it’s hard, even when it hurts. This is the essence of leadership: being bold, taking risks, and standing firm in your purpose.

His Most Important Relationships Are Based on Mutual Trust.

Superman’s strength isn’t just physical—it’s relational. His most important connections are built on trust, respect, and shared values. For your brand, this is a reminder that relationships are everything. People don’t just buy products—they buy trust, connection, and belief in your mission.

Bending Steel Is a Distraction from the Real Point.

Superman’s powers are impressive, but they’re not the point. The real point is his why -his commitment to justice, hope, and making the world better.

For you, this is the ultimate takeaway. It’s not about the flashy tactics or the surface-level wins. It’s about the deeper purpose that drives everything you do. That’s what makes you different. That’s what makes you unforgettable.

Sooner or Later, We Are All Superheroes.

Here’s the truth: we all have the potential to be superheroes - not by being “better,” but by being different. By showing up with authenticity, courage, and purpose. By refusing to play small or settle for the status quo. By embracing our unique edge and using it to create something that matters.

Superman may wear a cape, but your superpower is your story. It’s time to own it, live it, and let it set the world on fire.

You can start Doing it Differently! here, right now by subscribing to my newsletter and missives - like gold nuggets flying into your in box !

John (Nick) Atkinson, The CreActivist Marketer who is Doing it Differently!

john@doingitdifferently.com