Citizen Kane is universally recognized as one of the greatest films of all time. Orson Welles and his collaborators created a masterpiece that was well ahead of its time in storytelling, cinematography, and special effects. Yet for all its achievements, it’s one of the saddest movies ever made.

The film tells the story of Charles Foster Kane, a wealthy businessman who began his career with good intentions. But over time, he tries to control everyone around him. In the end, he dies alone with a mansion full of treasures and a heart full of bitterness and regret.

In a powerful scene late in the movie, Kane’s former friend and employee Jed Leeland tells a reporter, “That’s all he ever wanted out of life, was love. That’s the tragedy of Charles Foster Kane. You see, he just didn’t have any to give.”

Let me ask you a simple but profound question. Do you love to write?

We’re not talking about whether you love having written. We’re talking about the actual work of writing. Do you love the creative process? Do you love the opportunity to set down words on a page or screen, knowing they can make a difference for someone? Do you love telling a story, teaching something new, or knowing that you helped someone with your words?

If the answer is “yes”—great! If the answer is “no” or “not so much,” consider the reason why. Is it because writing is hard or unpleasant? Is it because someone long ago said you weren’t a writer? Could it be that inner critic trying to convince you that you’re not worthy?

Even if writing feels hard, and some days you don’t love it so much, remember the amazing benefits that come from writing. And keep in mind the words of Ray Bradbury, the great science fiction writer. He said, “You must write every single day of your life… You must lurk in libraries and climb the stacks like ladders to sniff books like perfumes and wear books like hats upon your crazy heads… may you be in love every day for the next 20,000 days. And out of that love, remake a world.”

One of the great ironies of Citizen Kane was that Charles Foster Kane was a newspaper publisher. He started his journey with a love of words and he used those words to serve people. But by the end, he was an empty shell of a man with no love to give. And the single word he spoke right before he died—“Rosebud”—pointed to a time in his life when he felt more secure and loved.

Today as you sit down to write, may your heart—and your pen—be filled with love.

The post Do You Love to Write? appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

My guest today is Dan Miller, and he’s the author of an amazing book that has impacted so many people, 48 Days to the Work and Life You Love (which was recently released with a new edition). Dan has also written many other books and has been the host of the 48 Days podcast for over ten years without missing a single week. That’s impressive!

Over the last five or six years, there has been no one who has had more impact on my life as a business owner than Dan Miller. That’s because he has not only directly impacted my life, but it seems that pretty much everyone I know in this space is also connected with Dan! Other people who have impacted my life were also impacted by Dan… so I would absolutely not be where I am today without his work in influencing so many people to build a life and business they love.

On this episode, you’ll hear some amazing stories from Dan’s adventures as an author, including how he developed the first edition of the 48 Days book, why a book is like a business card, what it means to have SWISS dollars, and how his podcast has helped grow his business.

You can connect with Dan via the 48 Days website or Facebook, and be sure to check out 48DaysEagles.com

The post Dan Miller: Turn Your Writing Into Dollars appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.