MythBusters' Adam Savage on Problem Solving: How I Do It

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on his journey from being a dedicated billiards player to a skilled theater technician, and eventually a special effects expert in the film industry. He emphasizes the importance of having a 'killer instinct' in competitive environments and the value of diverse skills in creative problem-solving. The speaker shares his process for tackling challenges, which includes understanding the problem, envisioning the big picture, setting deadlines, and adapting to constraints. His narrative highlights the iterative nature of learning and the satisfaction found in continuous growth and the pursuit of the next project.

Takeaways

• 🎱 The speaker's dedication to billiards from age 19 to 23, practicing 2-3 hours daily, reflects a deep commitment to mastering a skill.
• 🥅 The importance of having a 'killer instinct' in competitive environments was highlighted, which the speaker lacked, affecting their peak performance.
• 🤔 The realization that skill mastery reveals the depth and subtlety of expertise, as the speaker noted after investing considerable time in billiards.
• 🎭 A transition from billiards to theater is discussed, emphasizing the value of learning a wide array of skills and the collaborative nature of theater.
• 🛠️ The speaker's journey into theater led to opportunities in film, where their diverse skill set became an asset, much like 'arrows in a quiver'.
• ⏰ The significance of deadlines in driving productivity and focus, as the speaker thrives under time constraints to enhance creativity and efficiency.
• 🔍 The process of problem-solving in creative projects involves a series of questions to clarify the problem, envision the big picture, and manage resources effectively.
• 🛠️ The speaker's approach to problem-solving includes a detailed checklist of considerations such as time, precision, resources, and team dynamics.
• 🔁 The iterative nature of the creative process is acknowledged, where the speaker often revisits and revises solutions until they align with the envisioned outcome.
• 🔚 The emotional aspect of completing a project is touched upon, where satisfaction and a sense of closure are mixed with the contemplation of potential improvements and future projects.

Q & A

What activity did the speaker engage in for several hours daily from age 19 to 23?

The speaker played Billiards quite seriously for about 2 to 3 hours a day from age 19 to 23.

What essential quality for competitive games does the speaker believe they lack?

The speaker believes they lack the 'killer instinct', which is necessary to play a game really well.

What advice did Willie Mosconi give about the mindset needed to be a good pool player?

Willie Moscone advised that to be a good pool player, one must be willing to spot their grandmother 49 points in a game to 50, implying a ruthless competitive spirit.

How much of playing pool is about the physical act of potting balls, according to a quote the speaker mentioned?

According to a quote the speaker mentioned, only 20% of playing pool is about the physical act of potting balls into pockets.

What did the speaker learn about the nature of theater after working in various theaters in San Francisco?

The speaker learned that theater is about the big picture, focusing on what's happening on stage, and that props don't need to be perfect but should tell a story.

What is the speaker's attitude towards learning new skills in theater?

The speaker is eager to learn new skills in theater, becoming like a sponge, picking up carpentry, electronics, rigging, upholstery, lighting, set design, and set painting.

How did the speaker's work in theater lead to a career in film?

The speaker's diverse skill set, which they developed in theater, became an asset in the film industry, particularly in special effects.

What realization did the speaker come to after six months of working in special effects?

The speaker realized they hadn't made any personal sculptures, indicating a transition from being a sculptor to focusing on special effects as a career.

What promise did the speaker make to themselves regarding their identity as an artist?

The speaker promised themselves not to say they 'used to be an artist', recognizing that the creative process and problem-solving aspects remain the same across different mediums.

What is the first question the speaker asks themselves when beginning a project?

The first question the speaker asks is 'What is the problem I'm solving?', emphasizing the importance of being clear about the project's objective.

Why does the speaker believe it's crucial to understand the big picture of a project?

Understanding the big picture helps the speaker see how their current problem fits into a larger context, which is essential for effective problem-solving and ensuring the project's relevance.