A friend recently posed a question that stopped me in my tracks:
“If you had to get a tattoo as a daily reminder of how you want to show up in the world, what would it say?”
After weeks of reflection, I found my answer: “A Warrior Artist.”
The warrior is relentless, willing to take risks and make sacrifices for meaningful outcomes.
The artist brings creativity, using impact to uplift rather than harm—a balance of drive and inspiration.
So, I ask you, what would your tattoo say?
Even if you don’t actually get inked, choose something tattoo-worthy as a reminder of your purpose and how to intentionally show up in life.
The Batman Effect
Heroes like Batman don’t quit when things get tough—they have unbreakable persistence.
No wonder it’s fun for a kid to pretend she’s Wonder Woman.
Turns out, pretending to be a hero isn’t just for kids… research proves that taking on a hero persona helps you persist. Aptly named “The Batman Effect,” think of it as a mental shortcut to unlock potential.
Try brainstorming like Edison or empathizing like Oprah.
Taking on a hero’s qualities can help you develop new neural pathways and overcome old limitations.
Define the traits you most respect, pretend you’re the embodiment of them, and before long, they become part of your identity.
What it takes to become tattoo-worthy.
Why in the world would a customer tattoo your company on their body?
Disney, Harley-Davidson, and Nintendo have cracked that code, with hundreds of thousands of people willing to etch these iconic brands onto their skin.
For fans, the brands represent much more than entertainment—they’re a part of the customer’s identity.
Disney’s beloved characters and Nintendo’s legendary games inspire loyalty rooted in storytelling, shared values, and nostalgia. Harley represents freedom and rugged individualism.
To achieve this level of connection, a brand has to be more than memorable; it has to align with something meaningful in people’s lives.
Tattoo-worthy brands resonate at a personal level, making them feel like part of the family, not just a company.
What adjustments might you make in your own company’s story or offering to achieve tattoo-worthy status?
The quality shared by Detroit, Finland, and the best entrepreneurs.
Imagine being outnumbered 20 to 1, facing an army with far superior equipment, and still refusing to back down.
That was Finland in 1940, powered by one word: Sisu.
It’s not just grit or resilience; it’s a relentless drive to overcome the impossible.
Growing up in Detroit, I’ve seen that same spirit—the city’s own “Detroit Hustles Harder.”
In business, too, Sisu is the ultimate equalizer, giving scrappy startups the courage to stand toe-to-toe with giants.
Whether you call it grit, courage, hustle, or Sisu, the notion of persisting through hard times is often the fingerprint of greatness.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
