Batman is one of my favourite characters. Not because he’s polished or fearless. Because he’s not.
He doesn’t have super strength. He can’t fly. He wasn’t bitten by a radioactive bat.
He’s just a man with a seriously well-stocked utility belt, and the willingness to use it.
And honestly? That’s what I relate to.
We throw the word “superpower” around a lot these days. Especially when we talk about how people cope, thrive, or succeed under pressure.
“She’s got a gift.” “He’s just wired differently.” “It must be their superpower.”
People have said the same about me over the years and I’ve never understood it.
I’m not special. I don’t have magical powers. What I do have is a lifetime of tools I’ve picked up, tested, broken, rebuilt, and sometimes stolen outright from other people.
ADHD as a “Superpower” Narrative Isn’t Always Helpful
I was diagnosed with ADHD just over a year ago. It explained a lot, but it didn’t suddenly make everything make sense.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve struggled with things that seem simple for other people, like remembering what I came into the kitchen for, being able to sit still and be content in the moment, replying to a message, or struggling to get out of bed some days.
And yet, I’ve also been able to solve complex problems quickly, lead teams, start businesses from scratch, and show up in high-pressure environments like it’s second nature.
It’s only recently that I’ve come to accept that both things could be true. That I wasn’t lazy, or careless, or broken. That maybe my brain just worked differently.
And that’s why I struggle with the idea of ADHD or any neurodivergence being called a “superpower.” Because for many of us, it doesn’t feel powerful. It feels exhausting. Confusing. Frustrating.
Especially when the people around you expect you to function one way, and your brain insists on working another.
Success when you have ADHD Isn’t About Superpowers – It’s About Tools
When I look at the things I’m proud of, leading a company in an industry that’s new to me, coaching others, the businesses I’ve started from scratch, raising and co-parenting my curious, brilliant son – it’s not because I’ve got something others don’t.
It’s because I’ve got a metaphorical shed full of tools. And I use them. Often and imperfectly.
Some tools were given to me. Others I inherited, stole, built, or duct-taped together out of desperation. Some are beautifully crafted frameworks. Others are messy coping mechanisms that got me through.
Some tools I’ve used for years. Some stopped working and had to be replaced. Some live in the back of the drawer but still matter.
Just like Batman, day-to-day, I use the tools in my belt. But when things get really tough, I retreat to the Batcave, where the rest of the tools live. Some are archived. Some are experiments. Some are just there to remind me I’ve survived worse.
What We Don’t See
We love to compare ourselves to people we admire. But most of the time, we’re comparing outcomes and not the tools it took to get there.
We don’t see the late nights, the trial-and-error routines, the notebooks full of abandoned ideas. We don’t see the therapy, the self-talk scripts, the peer support groups. We don’t see the personal systems people use to make everyday life work.
That’s why the “superpower” myth is so dangerous. It hides the reality. And it makes people who are still building their utility belt feel like they’ve missed something.
Can We Talk About Tools Instead?
Whenever I speak at events or run a workshop, I don’t show up with a silver bullet. I show up with tools. I share what’s worked for me. I encourage others to try them, tweak them, break them, rebuild them, and make them their own.
The most useful speakers I’ve learned from? They didn’t tell me how brilliant they were. They told me what helped them keep going. What stopped them from quitting. What they reached for when everything felt too much.
That’s what I care about. Not how clever you are. Not how naturally talented. Just: what’s in your utility belt?
Some Questions I Ask Frequently both to myself and others:
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What tools are you using now that are actually helping?
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Which ones have you outgrown?
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Which ones are coping mechanisms you’d like to replace?
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Where do you go when you need new ones?
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How do you know when something’s no longer working?
Because the truth is, anyone can build a toolkit. It’s a hell of a lot easier than trying to summon a superpower you don’t think you have.
Success doesn’t require special powers. It requires curiosity, courage, grit, determination —and access to the right tools at the right time.
So next time someone tells you you’re “different” or “special” maybe ask them:
“Or… maybe I just have a really good utility belt?”
Hi, I’m Charlie
I’m the Managing Director of TGIS Aviation, a specialist AeroEngine Technical Services company and also a Keynote Speaker and writer.
I speak about managing fear, self doubt and those imposter moments that make us feel stuck in life and in business. I share tools, tips and highly relatable insights to help leaders and aspiring leaders use courage in motion and build confidence through action.
If you’re looking for a speaker who blends sharp insight with real-life stories, and leaves people feeling energised, not overwhelmed, you can find out more or get in touch here:
