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“Be useful.” – Scott Adams

Scott Adams (@scottadamssays) is the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, which has been published in more than 2,000 newspapers in 57 countries and in 19 languages.

In my conversation with Scott, we cover topics ranging from the rise of Dilbert, to how he uses affirmations to impact stock market decisions, success with women, and building his career.

We also talk about Scott’s interest in hypnosis and its relationship to his writing process. Plus, we dive into his current fascination with Donald Trump.

You’ll also find out more about:

Goals vs. systems, and how he has used the latter to get what he wants in life

His first ever Dilbert paycheck

The six dimensions of humor

How he got into the best shape of his life at age 58, and much, much more.

It is a really fun conversation. Scott is one hell of a character and a hilarious guy.

Enjoy!

#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert https://rss.art19.com/episodes/bd7fcc81-db2e-4f85-8e68-7229fda9c1e8.mp3 Download

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Want to hear a podcast related to creativity? — Listen to my conversation with Ed Catmull, who is President and Co-Founder of Pixar and author of Creativity, Inc. Stream this episode below or right-click here to download:

Ep 22: Ed Catmull, President of Pixar, on Steve Jobs, Stories, and Lessons Learned https://rss.art19.com/episodes/9d83bfc4-583a-40b9-8a7f-1b39170be575.mp3 Download

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QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What is your biggest struggle with the creative process? Which experts would you like me to interview about their methods? Please let me know in the comments.

Scroll below for links and show notes…

Enjoy!

Selected Links from the Episode

Wacom Cintiq monitor | Photoshop

Scott’s blog post on the 6 elements of humor

Other cartoons

F Minus | Pearls Before Swine

@ScottAdamsSays | http://dilbert.com | Calendar Tree

Show Notes

How Scott started using affirmations [08:45]

The beginning stages of Scott’s journey as a cartoonist [20:45]

The process Scott uses to create his affirmations and the reasons they work [22:39]

How God’s Debris came about [32:01]

How Scott incorporates hypnosis into his life [35:25]

Scott’s first hypnosis experience and why he started [39:15]

Scott’s definition of hypnosis [45:50]

How writing has helped his practice of hypnosis [48:41]

Hypnosis, NLP, and Donald Trump [51:00]

How the way Trump phrases his statements help him in the media [59:43]

Scott’s view on goals vs. systems, and why each approach can work [1:02:39]

Scott’s practical approach to dieting [1:12:29]

The first time Scott was paid for Dilbert, his ‘day job,’ and where his first ideas came from [1:18:27]

How he came up with the name Dogbert [1:21:51]

The aspects of Dilbert that have changed over time and what the characters mean to Scott [1:23:07]

Scott’s techniques to help Dilbert succeed and gain a competitive advantage over other cartoon strips [1:24:31]

The tools and routines Scott uses to get in the creative mood [1:30:42]

Scott’s morning routine [1:34:09]

Scott’s six elements of humor [1:37:26]

Other cartoons Scott respects and reads [1:41:26]

How Scott got his voice back after identifying he had spasmodic dysphonia [1:42:36]

The book Scott would recommend everyone read [1:51:30]

When Scott thinks of the word “successful,” who is the first person that comes to mind? [1:58:58]

The advice Scott would give his 30-year old self [2:01:54]

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