3 Life Lessons Adam Savage Taught Me While Painting a Wrench

Hey friends,

I am obsessed with Adam Savage’s Tested YouTube channel and specifically his One Day Build videos. To those that aren’t in the know One Day Builds are behind-the-scenes videos that take us inside Adam’s shop and we get to follow along as Adam works through one of his many passion projects. Some of these include an upgrade on a scale R2D2, a high-capacity Nerf blaster build, and my favorite a 19-minute clip of Adam painting a wrench. To the average onlooker it’s just a video of ‘that Mythbusters guy painting a wrench,’ but to me, it is a genuine moment where an accomplished man passionately shares a treasure trove of life lessons with us.

The premise… I admit isn’t very sensational but if you stop for a moment and think about it; why is he taking the time to record a video and post it to Tested? Adam has quite the resume including but not limited to: hosting Mythbusters for more than a decade, a maker of movie props for Star Wars Episode II and The Matrix Reloaded, and has interviewed some of the most famous set, costume, and prop designers in the world. Here is some of the wisdom he has chosen to share:

1) The ‘flow state’ is precious and should be treated as such.

“That little bit… that five seconds, it pulls me out of the flow”

Occasionally, we find ourselves in a state of deep concentration while engaged in an activity, where our thoughts and actions flow effortlessly, as if on autopilot. We're fully immersed, and it doesn’t feel taxing. This phenomenon is known to athletes as being "in the zone," Adam refers to it as "flow," and it aligns with the concept of Wu Wei in Chinese philosophy. It represents a state of peak performance achieved with seemingly no effort, creating the sensation that the activity is guiding us rather than us controlling it. Adam briefly touches upon this, but it’s obvious that the flow state should be treated as an important and precious thing.

2) Listen to the little voice in your head.

“I think to myself, I wish that hadn’t happened…I would like those five seconds back”

This quote is really about paying attention to that little voice in your head. How often have you thought 'I wish that hadn't happened,' but then did nothing about it and eventually forgot all about it? It's about that voice inside us that is warning us, reminding us, trying to tell us that we need to fix this because it's probably going to happen again; and even if it is benign it still wears on us.

3) Take the extra time to make something of quality

“I’m going to take the extra time and make it nice”

A quality job is evidence of a person’s integrity. Taking the time to create something of quality ensures that your final result is capable, reliable, and durable. It reflects your commitment to excellence, care, and attention to detail; over speedy substandard shortcuts. Ultimately, investing time into making something of quality is the secret key to peace and satisfaction in everything you do.

There are many more lessons in this clip. It is worth the watch if you are a geek like me. Adam’s passion is contagious and it’s a treat to watch such a passionate person working in their element. Adam is a special human being and he is a rare candle in the dark.

Thank you so much for reading this week.

See you again soon,

Kevin

Extra bits:

The greatest love letter ever written! 💌 

The book I’m currently reading. 📚️ 

A sit down with the Fed Chairman. 🪑 

The troubling signs from Arctic sinkholes. 🕳️ 

Time for new bedsheets? 🛏️ 

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