Reading Adam Savage’s book Every Tool’s a Hammer was an eye-opening experience. Savage, best known for co-hosting MythBusters, shares invaluable lessons about creativity, mistakes, and the joy of making. The book isn’t just about tools and building; it’s a guide to approaching life with curiosity and resilience. Here are some of the key lessons I took away:
1. Mistakes Are Valuable
One of the most empowering ideas in the book is that mistakes aren’t just inevitable; they’re invaluable. Every time we make a mistake and learn from it, we gain something far more precious than success: experience. Mistakes bring us closer to achieving what we want because they teach us what doesn’t work, refining our approach and sharpening our skills.
2. Plans Will Change
Savage writes that “no plan survives its first contact with implementation.” This idea is a reminder that flexibility is key to any creative process. As we gain new information, our plans will evolve—and that’s okay. Adapting and adjusting isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a natural part of growth.
3. Knowledge Is Most Powerful When Shared
Knowledge is power, but Savage takes it a step further: the most powerful thing you can do with knowledge is give it away. Sharing what you’ve learned not only helps others, but it also deepens your own understanding and builds community. This perspective resonates with me as I think about my reselling journey and how sharing tips and insights can inspire others to start their own ventures.
4. Embrace Being Human
If you expect to get everything right the first time, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Savage reminds us that we’re only human, and making mistakes is part of the process. Perfection is an illusion; it’s the willingness to try, fail, and try again that leads to fulfillment and success.
5. Learn by Doing
You can read all the books, watch all the tutorials, and gather endless advice, but true knowledge comes from doing. It’s in the act of trying—and often failing—that we learn the most. Whether it’s reselling, parenting, or maintaining a hospital, the lessons I’ve learned have always come from rolling up my sleeves and diving in.
6. Follow Your Interests and Share Them
Finally, if you’re struggling to find a path forward, look to what interests you and share that passion with others. Whether it’s fixing things, sourcing items for eBay, or teaching my daughter how to approach challenges, I’ve found that focusing on what excites me leads to clarity and fulfillment. Sharing that enthusiasm creates connections and opens doors.
Conclusion
Adam Savage’s Every Tool’s a Hammer is more than a book about making; it’s a guide to living a creative and purposeful life. By embracing mistakes, adapting plans, sharing knowledge, and learning through action, we can grow in ways we never imagined. These lessons are as relevant to building a project as they are to building a life. If you haven’t read this book yet, I highly recommend it—you just might discover your own toolkit for success.
