I love the Batman movies.

My favorite is still the 1989 release starring Michael Keaton. The one that started it all for the modern-day big-screen Batman franchise.

As a twenty-something young man whose life was in shambles, I remember being inspired by the Batman character. This troubled superhero channeled anger and grief into a force for good. I was mesmerized by the way he leveraged his resources, instincts, and intellect to take down the bad guys and help those who could not help themselves.

I have heard it said that Batman doesn’t have any “superpowers.” That he’s just a guy with money, gadgets, and a driving discontent within him.

I would say that the ability to use what you have to make a difference is absolutely a superpower. To show up with your best stuff in the present moment and pour it into the lives of others is one hundred percent heroic.

I understand what people mean by no superpowers. He can’t fly, has no x-ray vision, no super strength.

I get it.

But I think a lot of people go through life thinking they don’t have what it takes to be great. They look at others and admire their talents and gifts while ignoring and diminishing their own.

Here’s what I know.

We all have special abilities and we were put on this earth to use them in the service of others.

I believe there was a secret superpower behind the cave-dwelling Dark Knight that created the billion-dollar big screen juggernaut. And this secret is not only the essence of Batman himself, it is the very reason the movie franchise exists at all.

Are you ready for the secret? Here it is.

Knock until your knuckles bleed.

Persistence will take you places talent cannot. The ability to outwork everyone and never quit is the common thread among heroes and high achievers.

Michael Uslan is the producer of the Batman movie franchise. He bought the movie rights from DC Comics in 1979 and then spent the next decade trying to bring it to life.

His vision for a big-screen Batman was rejected by every studio in Hollywood. He was laughed at by more than one industry heavyweight.

He was beaten down.

Told to quit.

But he didn’t.

He couldn’t.

Here’s what he told some college students who were aspiring film producers.

“It’s going to be painful.”

“Not easy. Not quick.”

“Are you willing to suffer for your dreams? Are you willing to get up off the couch and knock on doors until your knuckles bleed?”

We live in a world where instant gratification is the expectation. The concept of paying dues and outworking the competition is the exception.

Instant gratification is based on luck and is not sustainable. You have to learn how to consistently win. Wisdom is the product of growth in the hard times, stewardship in the good times, and a commitment to sharing what you learn with others.

The one superpower of every high performer in any endeavor is resilience. The ability to persist against all odds. Circumstances don’t matter. Opinions don’t matter. Obstacles don’t matter.

What matters?

What you believe is what matters.

Your willingness to work without relenting is what matters.

Your ability to take the hits and keep getting up is what matters.

Mental toughness is a non-negotiable quality in the hero business. Life, work, and the universe are going to come at you with everything they’ve got. And the greater your purpose, the bigger your dream, the more forces they will unleash upon you.

The question is how bad do you want it? How much do you believe? Ordinary people say they will believe it when they see it. Extraordinary people say they will see it when they believe it.

Here’s the truth.

You have everything within you to live out your dreams and leave this world better than you found it.

“It’s going to be painful.”

“Not easy. Not quick.”

“Are you willing to suffer for your dreams?” Are you willing to get up off the couch and knock on doors until your knuckles bleed?”