How I Built An Ideas Factory So I Never Run Out of Original Ideas
A simple way to stay ahead with a flow of unique ideas
If you want to start writing online but don’t know where to begin—this will help.
I’ve wrapped up everything I wish I had when I started. It’s called The Starter Kit.
It’s helped overthinkers find clarity.
It’s helped struggling writers find consistency.
It’s helped hesitant writers hit publish for the first time.
If you feel stuck…this is your shortcut. A simple system to build momentum—and confidence—fast.
My writing was as original as a corporate mission statement.
I didn’t know what to say, so I copied the same old ideas everyone else was using. And it showed. No one cared.
My words were just noise.
But here’s what I learned. Sharp ideas separate the good from the great. Unique content makes people stop, pay attention, and engage. But how do you create something original when everything’s already been said?
ChatGPT won’t solve that. And stealing ideas won’t either. In 18 months, I built a writing business from scratch, thanks to one thing. Creating content that stands out.
This is how I did it.
Build an idea factory that never runs dry
If you’re serious about writing for the long haul, you need more than just a spark of inspiration. You need a constant flow of fresh ideas. You need to build an ideas factory. But the first step? You need a place to store everything.
I use Evernote, but there are plenty of options out there. Pick the one that works for you, but make sure it meets 3 simple criteria:
Make it effortless to capture ideas
The key to consistency is simplicity.
If the system’s too complicated, you won’t use it. Avoid the temptation of fancy colors or labels. You’ll need a system that requires the fewest steps to get an idea down, especially when you’re distracted or tired.
Always have access
Ideas don’t work on your timetable.
They show up when you least expect them. That’s why you need a system that’s always within reach. Don’t wait until you sit at your desk — capture ideas on the go.
For example, I listen to podcasts while driving. As soon as I park, I take 25 seconds to voice record my key takeaways. Evernote turns it into text. Quick, easy, and always on hand.
Never waste time searching for notes
When you’re in writing mode, you need to find what you need, fast.
Choose a system with strong search capabilities. Adding tags to each note is a great asset. Don’t waste energy organizing — just make it easy to search when you need inspiration.
Once your factory is running smoothly, it’s easy to pull ideas from your collection. Search your topic, grab relevant notes, and voilà — something unique is already brewing. If you get stuck, quick search will give you the spark you need to break through.
An ideas factory is powerful. But how do you fill it with gold? Here are the five sources I use.
1. Start feeding your brain with gold
Stop consuming junk.
Fresh ideas come from consuming quality content. Too many writers waste endless hours scrolling bland content. Your time is limited. So only read or watch the best. Consume in a state of alertness. Looking for nuggets to drop into your pipeline.
Learn beyond your niche. This avoids hearing the same ideas recycled. I love productivity, investing, and well-being. This yields new ideas that cross over into writing.
And if you’re struggling to find the time. Pick one time-wasting activity (TikTok, Netflix, gaming). Reduce your time on it and use that to consume healthy content.
Upgrade your input gives stronger outputs.
2. Turn what you learn into what you create
Many creators fall into the consumption trap.
We consume articles, videos, and podcasts. Letting great content wash over us. But this sends the brain into a passive, dopamine-addicted state. Think about all the content you experienced last week. Has any of it strengthened your thinking?
The brain works best when active. So here’s a neat trick to adopt. Do something with everything you consume.
Summarise the lessons in a WhatsApp group
Share the best idea on social media
Write down your response
Send a quote to a friend
Make an infographic
This transforms the content into something unique.
3. Experiment like a mad scientist
Test ideas and share the results.
Something magical happens when you:
Discover an idea
Try it out
Write about the experience
It feels distinct to the reader. I’ve been surprised at how effective this is. Your experience upgrades an ordinary idea into something unique.
Jia Jang was sensitive to rejection. So decided to get rejected a 100 times to boost his resilience. He asked:
a security guard for $100
a stranger if he could play football in his garden
if he could plant a flower in a stranger’s backyard
His TED video sharing his experience has 10m views. Is rejection therapy an original idea? No. But Jang’s adventure makes it fascinating.
When an idea is filtered through your actions. It morphs. And becomes something new. This has been my writing strategy. And it’s exploded my writing into life.
Develop a bias for action. Hear an idea? Try it out. This will set you apart. Plus it’s the best way to improve.
Implementing an idea gives instant originality.
4. Walk your way to breakthrough ideas
Einstein, Darwin, Jobs.
There’s a long list of famous creators who walked for creativity. I’ve written here about the power of mind wandering. When you walk your brain enters a different state. It goes creative. Bouncing ideas around. Exploring connections.
Every time I return from a walk. I have new ideas to add to my pipeline. Include a daily walk in your routine. You’ll be amazed at the results.
Step outside, let your mind wander, and watch your creativity soar.
5. Ask the right questions
“Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.” Tony Robbins
Make it a habit to ponder better questions. Here are 3 to get you started.
What common myths could I challenge?
What neglected truths from 50 years ago are still useful?
Why haven’t my readers solved their biggest problems yet?
Journal these questions. Ask them on social media. Or recall one during a walk and see where your brain takes you.
Great writers are great thinkers.
Your writing becomes distinct when you set up a flow of fresh ideas. Taking time to do this is a wise investment.
Derek
P.S. You don’t need to figure this out alone. The Starter Kit is the nudge you’ve been waiting for. It’s already helping writers like Jo, get moving—fast.
Thank you! You inspire me. I will be in touch soon.😊🌻😊