If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank screen wondering what to post, say, or write next—this post is for you. I’ve been in the content creation game for a long time. We’re talking thousands of podcast hours, millions of written words, and now hundreds of hours of video—and I still don’t run out of ideas.
I get asked all the time: How do you come up with so much content? And the truth is, I’ve built systems and habits around idea generation that allow me to keep showing up without burning out or relying entirely on tools like ChatGPT.
Let me be clear: AI tools like ChatGPT are great for augmenting your process. I use them to help enhance content—better hooks, stronger closings, maybe even a catchy title—but when it comes to coming up with original ideas? That needs to come from you. Authentic content hits different, and audiences can tell when it comes from experience and passion.
So today I’m breaking down the three methods I use to keep the content creation wheel turning.
1. The Self-Interview Method
Before using this method, you need to know your pillars. For me, those include topics like business systems, productivity, becoming a better human, and behind-the-scenes lessons. These are the categories I always draw from.
Once you’ve got your pillars locked in, it’s time to interview yourself. Literally. Ask yourself questions as if someone else were sitting in front of you. Or better yet, have ChatGPT generate 10 questions for you based on your background or topic of interest—but you still provide the answers. That’s where the magic happens.
This method creates content that’s naturally passionate and deeply informed because it’s coming from your own experience. Whether it turns into a podcast, a reel, a blog post, or a newsletter—it’s 100% you.
2. The Inspiration Method
Sometimes we just need a creative nudge. One tool that’s helped me lately is a Chrome extension called “TikTok and Instagram Sorter.” It lets you organize someone else’s content by engagement—likes, shares, views—so you can see what’s working.
Now, I’m not saying go copy what’s out there. But take inspiration. Look at the structure, hook, or visual style—then apply those learnings to your own content creation. Bonus tip: get your inspiration from creators outside your niche. That’s where the most original ideas live.
3. The Vanilla Ice Method (Stop, Collaborate, and Listen)
This one’s simple but powerful: just stop at random points in your day and reflect.
What have you been working on? What problems did you solve? What processes did you use that others might find helpful? I promise you, you’re doing 20-30 small things each day that someone would love to learn from.
If you’re already creating content, this is an endless supply of ideas. You don’t need a new campaign—you just need to share what you’re already doing. Show your process, your tools, your thoughts. Authenticity always wins.
Bonus: James Clear’s 5-Step Creative Process
If you’re looking to go even deeper in your content creation journey, this 5-step process from James Clear is gold:
- Discover – Read, observe, listen, absorb ideas from everywhere.
- Collect – Write down anything that strikes you as interesting. Immediately.
- Generate – Flesh out your ideas. Explore their strength and weaknesses.
- Combine – Connect new ideas with personal experience or outside influences.
- Edit – Cut the fluff. Choose the best version and hit publish.
This framework ensures you’re always feeding your creative engine—and when that engine runs, content never dries up.
If you’re serious about showing up consistently and building something that lasts, remember: your best ideas come from your actual life and experience. Stop waiting for inspiration and start documenting what you’re already doing. That’s the secret.
Now go create something.
Try harder, live bigger.
Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Time-Stamped Show Notes
- 00:30 – Why AI shouldn’t be your primary source of ideas
- 02:00 – Method 1: The Self-Interview Process for authentic content
- 05:20 – Using ChatGPT to generate questions without losing your voice
- 07:40 – Method 2: The Inspiration Method using content sorters
- 10:05 – How to ethically borrow from successful content formats
- 12:00 – Method 3: The Vanilla Ice Method—create content from your own day
- 14:30 – The power of documentation over creation
- 15:45 – James Clear’s 5-step creative process
- 18:20 – Final thoughts on creating content with longevity