How are you making history today? Did you wake up today and think “Today’s the day that I’m going to make history”? Probably not.

Your words and actions are already making a major impact on the people and the world around you, whether you know it or not.

But, it’s hard to remember this when you’re going about your day, taking care of your family, working at your job and writing (or trying to find some time to write).

You sometimes ask yourself, “Is anything I’m writing, or doing, making any difference to anyone?”

Look, I get it. My mom named me after her favorite writer, but I also want to make my own unique mark on the world.

It’s so easy to start thinking, “If I could just write like Jane Austen, Frederick Douglass, or Ernest Hemingway, then my novels and essays would make an impact.” Or “If I could just have a wildly successful blog like Seth Godin, then I would be able to help people.”

Every writer and other historical figures you admire were taught, inspired and even entertained by other writers, as well as by parents, teachers and countless other people you don’t know.

You may not know the names of these “influencers” (or “hidden figures”), but your life has been changed by their words and actions.

There are three major ways your writing changes people’s lives:

1. Teach – The common phrase “knowledge is power” usually focuses on the student, or the person being taught new information. However, sharing our knowledge with others unlocks a special kind of power within us. When you write about something you learned through experience or research, you make your readers smarter. And this world will never stop needing smart people.

2. Inspire – Part of your writing’s message to the world is “If I can do this, so can you.” You may not write those actual words. But sharing your words gives people permission to also share their ideas and pick up a pen, open a laptop, or sit down at a desktop computer and start writing. Sometimes, people have to see you write and share your voice first. Then they’re inspired to also write and find their own unique voice in the process.

3. Entertain – People love good stories. How does a simple story change the world? A great story helps us imagine life being different than it is now. If a story’s setting is more positive than our reality, we start to imagine what we can do to improve our own communities. On the other hand, a dark story can be a cautionary tale, showing us what to do (or what to avoid) to prevent certain problems from happening in our own society. Being funny and telling great stories are powerful ways to connect with your readers.

“I learned that by being entertaining, you make a connection with another person.” – Robin Williams

We all wish we could write like our favorite writers.

Maybe one day, someone will call you the next Austen, Douglass or Hemingway. Or maybe your next novel, series of blog posts, or other writings will make you popular in your own right.

Or maybe it won’t.

No matter what happens (or doesn’t happen), one thing is for sure.

Your writing is a powerful tool changing how people see the world around them.

How will your writing make history today?

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Did this post inspire and help you? Share your writing experiences and tips with other writers in the comments section.