How to Walk Your Dog with ChatGPT

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There’s nothing quite like a peaceful walk with your dog—except when your brain is buzzing with work thoughts, content ideas, or the ever-growing to-do list.

If you’ve ever wished you could be productive while still giving your dog the outdoor adventure they deserve, I have good news: ChatGPT can help.

No, it won’t physically walk your dog (yet). But it can serve as your on-the-go brainstorming partner, ghostwriter, and note-taker—all while you keep your hands free for leash management and dog-related emergencies.

Here’s how to turn your dog-walking, exercise, or driving (with hands-free mode, of course!!!) routine into a content-creation session with the ChatGPT app and Custom GPTs.

How to Walk Your Dog with ChatGPT

How to get more out of your walks, workouts, and drives with ChatGPT CustomGPTs and the ChatGPT app.

Many see dog walks as a time to unwind, disconnect, and enjoy fresh air. But what if you could turn this routine activity into a productive brainstorming session?

Enter ChatGPT—your AI-powered assistant that can help capture ideas, generate content, and refine your thoughts, all while you keep an eye on your four-legged companion.

This is my dog, Woodford…or maybe I’m his human, depending on your point of view. He always demands walks, and I need to pay for the dog biscuits, so this is one of my favorite multi-tasking activities. It helps us both get exercise and pay the bills.

With a few simple tweaks to your workflow, you can transform your daily walks into valuable creative sessions without compromising the quality of time spent with your dog. Let's explore how you can seamlessly integrate AI into your walks.

Step 1: Build a Custom GPT for Your Needs

ChatGPT Plus users can create their own Custom GPTs tailored to specific workflows. Here’s how to set up one designed for content creation while walking your dog:

1. Go to ChatGPT and start a new Custom GPT (ChatGPT Plus required). You can do this by going to Explore GPTs and creating one there.

2. Set up detailed instructions: In the system prompt, include details like the following below:

   • The type of content you create (blog posts, LinkedIn articles, Twitter threads, or just a summary of your thoughts).

   • Your preferred tone and structure (conversational, technical, punchy, long-form, etc.).

   • How you want responses formatted (e.g., “Start with a strong hook, follow with structured points, end with a summary of takeaways”).

   • Key themes you cover regularly.

3. Upload reference materials: This is optional, but if you are like me and want to create a draft of my newsletter, I find PDFs work best for building a knowledge base. I print the pages from my website of writing that I like or, more importantly, that you want. Add your past writing, industry insights, and style preferences.

4. Test it: Have a few back-and-forths to refine its style. You can keep chatting with the document and updating your examples and instructions. As well as tweaking your instructions.

Here’s a sample set of instructions for your CustomGPT, which will help you turn your conversations after your daily stroll with the pup into actionable steps.

# Role

Edit this conversattion in the style of a seasoned business leader with expertise in [Insert your expertise]

# Objective

Write a clear, actionable article that engages the reader and conveys key points effectively.

# Style, Tone, and Voice

- **Clarity and conciseness**: Use precise, straightforward language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
- **Direct and engaging tone**: Employ an active voice, incorporate real-world examples, and pose thought-provoking questions.
- **Passion and purpose**: Write with conviction, demonstrating enthusiasm for technology and innovation.
- **Logical structure**: Organize content with clear sections, bullet points, and structured arguments.
- **Optimistic and forward-looking perspective**: Emphasize solutions, collaboration, and the power of community-driven innovation.

Step 2: Use the ChatGPT App on Your Walks

Once your Custom GPT is set up, you’ll use the ChatGPT mobile app to capture ideas and generate content in real-time:

1. Open the ChatGPT app on your phone before heading out.

2. Select your Custom GPT for content creation.

3. To use voice-to-text, Tap the microphone icon and start talking. You can share raw thoughts, outline an article, or dictate key points.

4. Ask it to refine your thoughts: Mid-walk, you can pause and say, “Summarize that into three key takeaways” or “Turn that into a LinkedIn post.”

5. Keep adding insights. The more you engage with your Custom GPT, the better it will capture your voice and ideas.

Step 3: Optimize for Hands-Free Productivity

To make this setup seamless, use a pair of bone-conduction headphones. These allow you to hear ChatGPT’s responses while being fully aware of your surroundings (important for safety and random sidewalk conversations).

How to Use NotebookLM for Dog-Walk Productivity

If you prefer an alternative, NotebookLM from Google can also work for similar AI-assisted note-taking and content generation. You can listen to your sources (the equivalent of the knowledgebase used in the CustomGPT above).

If you’re using NotebookLM instead of ChatGPT, the workflow is slightly different but just as effective. Also, NotebookLM has recently introduced new features that can enhance your productivity during dog walks. Here's how to leverage these updates:

1. Prepare Your NotebookLM Workspace:

   • Upload Relevant Documents: Before your walk, add key documents, notes, or reference materials to your NotebookLM workspace.

   • Create an Audio Overview: Utilize the new Audio Overview feature to generate a podcast-like summary of your documents. This allows you to listen to essential information hands-free during your walk.

2. Engage with Interactive Audio Overviews:

   • To enable Interactive Mode, Start a new Audio Overview and tap the "Interactive Mode (BETA)" button.

   • Join the Conversation: While listening, tap "Join" to ask questions. The AI host will respond with personalized answers based on your sources, facilitating an engaging and informative experience.

3. Utilize Voice-to-Text for Note-Taking:

   • Capture Thoughts on the Go: Use a voice-to-text app to record ideas or notes during your walk.

   • Sync with NotebookLM: After your walk, upload these voice notes to NotebookLM. The platform can generate structured insights, summaries, or even draft content from your notes.

4. Explore NotebookLM Plus for Enhanced Features:

   • Consider Upgrading: NotebookLM Plus offers additional capabilities, such as increased usage limits, customizable response styles, shared team notebooks, and enhanced privacy and security features. These can be particularly beneficial for maximizing productivity during walks.

You can chat with the Gemini App on your iPhone or Android phone and then save the chat for NotebookLM.

This is me brainstorming with Gemini for ideas for my newsletter. The first response is generic, and then I distill down the best ideas.

The Takeaway, ChatGPT isn’t just for your Web Browser

Walking your dog doesn’t mean pausing productivity. (Neither does going for a run or sitting out on the patio having a beverage).

With a well-trained Custom GPT, a mobile workflow, and voice-to-text input, you can dictate ideas, refine them on the go, and have polished content ready when you’re back home.

So, next time you leash up, bring your AI assistant along.

Your dog will get its walk, and you will have a content goldmine. It's a win-win.

I appreciate your support.