Your next viral post is hiding in your weekly grocery list
What if your next viral idea was tucked between the milk and the eggs? Here’s how to spot it.
On a crisp fall day, the streets of Chicago hummed with the usual buzz - cars honking, people rushing to and from work, and the familiar smell of burnt coffee drifting from nearby cafes.
His thoughts scattered as he walked aimlessly down the sidewalk, not particularly focused or inspired. The world around him seemed so… regular. But in this moment of quiet reflection, something small, yet significant, was about to shift the course of his life.
As he walked, his senses started picking up the smallest details - the crunch of leaves beneath his feet, voices fading in and out of earshot, the distant honking of a horn. At first, it all seemed trivial, but then... something clicked. These moments weren’t as insignificant as they appeared.
A few days later, he sat at his desk, pen in hand. This time, instead of aiming for big, sweeping ideas, he found himself writing about the little things that popped out to him on that walk - the unexpected conversation on the bus, the oddities of the grocery store clerk, the quiet of an empty street as the sun went down.
What at first felt unremarkable was shaping into one of the most interesting stories he’d ever written.
Did you know that 65% of our conversations revolve around personal stories and gossip?
Storytelling is already woven deeply into our daily conversations, whether we realize it or not. But often, we overlook the power of these small, everyday moments when it comes to creating content for our personal brand.
But for David Sedaris, the man mentioned above, these small, overlooked moments would lay the foundation for his success.
Sedaris is perhaps most famously known for his sharp, witty, and deeply personal essays. His collection ‘Me Talk Pretty One Day’ is a beloved work where he humorously reflects on his struggles learning French, and the quirks of living in France. But it’s his ability to turn mundane moments - like awkward family dinners, odd encounters with strangers, and personal frustrations - into profound, laugh-out-loud stories, that sets him apart.
His storytelling style is marked by a perfect blend of humor and raw honesty, which has made his work universally relatable.
Sedaris didn’t just start writing stories - he became skilled at seeing the wonder in the commonplace. Through his essays, he’s shown us that humor and truth often reside in life’s smallest details, whether it's navigating cultural differences or learning to accept the idiosyncrasies of our own family dynamics.
His work has reached millions, with appearances on ‘This American Life’, and a string of bestselling books. Sedaris doesn’t just write stories. He writes our stories.
Here’s how you can start using Sedaris’ approach with my D.A.I.L.Y. Framework for capturing meaningful stories:
D – Dive into the Ordinary
Start noticing the small things you might usually rush past. Whether it’s a quick chat with a stranger or an unnoticed gesture, pay attention. These are the moments that might hold more meaning than you think.A – Amplify the Detail
Once you spot these moments, slow down and zoom in. What were the little details that made that moment stand out? What did the scene look like? The beauty of Sedaris' writing is how he expands these small moments into full, vivid stories by focusing on the tiniest details.I – Identify the Emotion
Great stories always connect on an emotional level. How does this moment make you feel? Is it funny, frustrating, nostalgic? The emotions you attach to these moments will help others connect with the story on a deeper level.L – Link It to a Larger Theme
Good stories often reflect something bigger. What does this small moment say about life, society, or relationships? Find the deeper theme that adds weight and relevance to the moment you’re sharing.Y – Yield to Simplicity
Don’t overthink it. The best stories are often the simplest. Focus on the core details that matter most. Sedaris' genius is in how he makes the ordinary feel extraordinary by keeping things straightforward and genuine.
Why This Works
The D.A.I.L.Y. Framework is powerful because it helps you connect with your audience in a real, human way. By focusing on small, everyday moments, you create stories that people can see themselves in. The more people connect with your content, the more they connect with your brand.
Sedaris shows us that the simplest moments are often the most relatable. Whether it’s humor, empathy, or nostalgia, great stories emerge when we share these universal emotions.
In applying this framework, you no longer need to go out of your way to create elaborate plots in your content. You just need to find the meaning in the mundane - and share it in a way that feels personal, and accessible.
Here’s What You’ll Get Out of It
A Strategy to Find Stories Everywhere
You’ll start noticing compelling stories in the simplest moments of your life - those that you might otherwise overlook.A Method for Building Relatable, Emotional Connections
You’ll create content that connects with your audience on a deep emotional level, using universal experiences they can relate to.A Way to Simplify Your Storytelling Process
You’ll be able to focus on what truly matters: your message and your connection to your audience - without overcomplicating things.
“The most powerful stories are often the ones we think are too simple to tell.”
Your Turn
Pick one action that you do every day that’s so automatic, you often find yourself doing it without paying attention to the steps involved. It could be:
Your daily coffee run
Taking your kids to and from school
The yoga class you take every night
The next time you do it, challenge yourself to be present and capture at least one new thing you’ve never noticed before.
Then, the next time you create content, use this as your prompt.
Remember, you’re already living a life worth telling. It’s now just about taking the time to mine the gold in it.