Eighteen years ago I treated myself to something special, a platinum Montblanc Classique ballpoint pen. It was ridiculously expensive but marked a moment in my professional career I'd worked hard to attain. I'd promised myself the pen once I'd reached a set goal and within a year had achieved it. It felt good to buy it, the goal was huge and I'd put a lot into reaching it, the pen was a symbol of that effort.
Pictured is the pen. I've photographed it in black and white for dramatic effect, my first attempt at such photography and I'm not overly happy with the images, but it's about the best my skills and equipment will permit.
It's a beautiful pen, simple and elegant, originally introduced to Montblanc's range in 1924.
All Montblanc products are finely crafted and have a certain touch of class about them, whether a pen, clothing, watch, leather goods, jewellery or other such item and my pen has served me well signing off on many lucrative deals; it means nothing to others, but for me symbolises my journey from first entering that role to becoming incredibly successful at it.
I've always found it important to put rewards in place, something to mark the occasion of having met a goal.
That doesn't mean I don't require a compelling reason to work towards the fulfillment of the goal, the end-reward isn't enough, just that I use the reward to underline that achievement before getting back to work and seeking the next; it's an acknowledgment. This pen was just such a reward and, looking back on that day I bought it all those years ago, I recall how it felt and how it punctuated over a year of extreme focus, discipline and ownership to attain that original goal. From there I put in years of work, tirelessly striving to reach and exceed my goals and this Montblanc pen was with me every step of the way.
Do you set goals with rewards at the end as an acknowledgement of the effort made to attain them? Do you have sentimental items with value that far exceeds the actual cost of the item? If you were to reward yourself today, for efforts made, what would that reward be? Feel free to comment below on these things, or anything you wish, if you would like to.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default; tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind - galenkp
[All original and proudly AI free.]
Every image in this post is my own.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III was used to capture these images.
That is a sharp pen and nice reward for yourself. Congrats on whatever achievement you purchased it for.
Back in the day I used to set goals with rewards for myself at the end for the small wins. This is a good reminder that I should look at doing that again. I have spoiled myself in these older days by just buying something, if I can afford it.
I have a few items from my service that are most likely nothing to some people. But they were given to me by others that I served with in gratitude. They will have little value or no value to others, but are priceless to me.
If I was to reward myself today it would probably be with my favorite collectables which is numismatic items, like old collectable coins, and stackable silver and gold. So with that said, this is something I need to put some more thought to.
I always enjoy your posts @galenkp. They always have me challenge myself in mind and body.
When I changed my professional career I became a real estate agent, mainly commercial, and at the start I had the goal of earning a certain amount of money in an annual period which I managed to do in my first year; the pen was my reward for a year of incredibly hard work. Eighteen years later I still have it and recall what I did to earn it.
I hope you move back into the reward thing, it has value. I used to have non-rewards too, things that were punishments for not doing what I said I would in business, not taking the actions that led to my goals. The non-rewards were not big things, but kept me on track.
Example: One was to send a congratulations card to my biggest competitor telling him he was so much better than me, more professional, thorough and all-round awesome. It was strong motivation to do the daily things I needed to and that led to success. There was no fucken way I was posting that card...but I had it addressed and stamped in front of me on my desk.
I understand about the items you mention, some things have far more value than money. I get it.
Thanks for your comment and compliment, I appreciate it.
Gosh, that's a very strong motivator. I would never be able to keep a letter like that on my desk. It would drive me berserk.
Yeah, it is and even more so that I had the conviction to actually send it should I have not attained my goal. It kept me focused on the hourly and daily tasks required to reach the desired result. I can be rather focused when required.
Hey @galenkp long time no see.
I've never had to buy one of these pens but have had 2 given to me and they are beautiful specimens for such a lovely crafted pen. I can see what the achievement felt like buying your first. Even better to use it to sign some lucrative contracts with it.
Nice to see you again brother, glad I was able to stop by and say hi.
Hey mate, it's been a gazillion years! Ok, not that long. Good to see you.
Yeah, Montblanc know how to make a pen, quality items in general, and I'm proud to own one. What I did to earn it was difficult, a lot of hard work and long hours, but it was worth it and this reward is a constant reminder if what can be achieved with determination, ownership and discipline. Then...I kept operating and this pen was the instrument that signed many more deals as my career progressed...and the rewards got bigger.
I hope things are well and you're cracking along, good to see you and hope see you again.
Yes, you have to be in a good place in life to buy a Montblanc. That's why I felt blessed to be given the ones I got. One I actually got as a tip bartending! I was like WTF, blessed. The other one I got from a millionaire friend who had a jar of them who said simply "Keep it" when I said nice pen one day. So neither of mine came the way yours did but I can truly feel what an honor it would be to buy one. They are such masterpieces.
I agree with your aims and rewards philosophy. It's crucial to have a physical reminder of our achievements and hard work. These rewards motivate and recognize our achievements.
That's right, it's not about the reward itself at all. It draws a line beneath the journey and allows us to celebrate it, the hard work and effort, before moving on to the next.
These are some pretty good photos you took. I see you have a OM-D as well but I guess a pretty good/expensive lens.
I really hope that for this price it auto corrects typing errors?! :)
Joke aside, sometimes we need to treat ourself with something really special. Congrats to that one, may it last as long as you life.
I have the macro lens for it and it does a pretty good job, but the camera is an overall good thing considering the price paid for it; far cheaper than some other alternatives.
Alas no, it doesn't do that...if only!
They are awesome. I got mine since almost 10 years now. Wanted to sell it so often but then kept it and bought another lens.
I grabbed some shots of the lenses and body this afternoon, I'll probably post them tomorrow. Nothing special, but I'll outline what lenses I have. It does a good job, certainly good enough for me and I'm really happy with it.
Great B&W shots @galenkp friend!
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@galenkp! Your Content Is Awesome so I just sent 1 $BBH (Bitcoin Backed Hive) to your account on behalf of @jlinaresp. (5/5)
Thanks, I appreciate it. My first try at black and white. I'll try some more too I think, hopefully I'll get better at it.
I think I needed thisI know I needed this, I have set goals and achieved them though I reward myself by a good treat of a lovely place and good meal. I have never really gotten a thing of sentimental value to mark it by. A highly welcomed idea I must say, thanks to your inclination to share for which I am grateful 🙏🏽For my next big goal I will be rewarding myself with a car I have had my eye on for a long while now. Do have a great weekend @galenkp the guru.
I have done the same and it's appropriate, we need to know what reward is suitable for the goal we've achieved. A trip to Europe wouldn't be appropriate for achieving a monthly target, but for an annual target (a big one) then it may be. Just an example.
Exactly...this is what I mean. If the goal is big enough go big on the reward.
I read Mont Blanc and instantly smiled. Rewards are always required when you have set a goal and you push through hell & high water to reach it. I think you chose a great reward and it's lasted you very well.
So I'm assuming this post then also means that you located it again.
Your photography skills always push the bar up just that bit higher, I really like that you chose mono for these, it works so well.
As for your last question - I've just completed a substantial project and as a reward, I'm getting my car fixed. It's not even that much of a reward as much as it is a need, but I've shifted it up in my priority list to reward myself (and my car) having signed off this last contract.
Hope you are well G-Dog
I have a few Montblanc things.. a really cool spinner-ring (the outer part of it spins around the inner), a leather satchel and some aftershave smelly stuff. All are typical Montblanc quality and each has been purchased as part of a reward for a goal received. The pen is the most special though.
Mono photos seemed to work better than colour I have a few taken in colour but they look sort of boring.
Well done on the project completion and the car-fix is a good reward for that, especially if you've been delaying that. Good work.
These black and white photos were taken with the same intensity and desire to say this is what I want, can and desire; friend @galenkp thank you for showing us that what we long for we can materialize, it was good to know that you got your pen, and I really can't imagine the feeling you had when you held it in your hands and even less when you put your signature on all the good things it had and has with it life for you Many congratulations for meeting your objectives, I think being disciplined brings rewards, by the way, good images, greetings and many blessings, from Venezuela
Thank you for your nice comments, I appreciate it.
Yes indeed it does. Most cannot sustain the discipline for long however those that can find consistent results, each probably better than the last, and that's what I seek; continual improvement. I don't always attain it, but always work towards it.
Thank you for your comments on my pictures, I'm glad you liked them.
For nothing, it is always good to find humble people who inspire and motivate us.
One of the best compliments I could get is that I've inspired someone, so thank you.
Beautiful pictures Galenkp!
It is true that one should reward oneself with something, a detail, for each goal achieved. That gives an impulse to continue on the path of good work, discipline, perseverance and the achievement of more goals.
I must admit that I don't usually do it, I should... you gave me something to think about while I was reading you. It will be a goal to set myself and improve.
If I have several items that far exceed the cost, they have more of a sentimental value, either because of the moment I got them or because of who gave them to me. For example, a ring that my mother gave me on my 15th birthday, which in turn was hers.
In the case of rewarding myself, I think more about moments than material things. Although I like certain reading themes, it could be a special book, a little trip to a place of pure nature, the entrance to a concert. Things that touch my soul.
Today you made me reflect a lot, I thank you.
Note: Beautiful black and white photographs, they have a special touch.
Moments can have great value and rewards don't always need to be material.
I think it's nice sometimes though as, like this pen, one can carry that around and use the item over and over. I always got a special feeling when I'd reach for the pen, open it and put it to paper on another contract. That was exactly why I chose that item in the first place. Eighteen years later I still get the same feeling when I write with it, as if it carries the effort, perseverance, discipline, ownership, responsibly and other elements that went into doing the things required to earn it. Maybe you understand?
But sure, I've rewarded myself with non-material things as well.
I understand perfectly well, it's not the pen but what it means, the values it carries with it.
If I reward myself with non-material things too.
It is a great acquisition. Having a pen like that I don't take it out of the house. Imagine, lend me a pen, you take yours out and they forget to give it to you 🤭
Lol, yeah I get it, I was careful though. I've had it for eighteen years now and so far it's not gone walkies. I'm vigilant.
I saw the word Montblanc and went immediately to look. Then my eyes ran intently over the first photo and I didn't move from there even though I already knew it was a pen. Because I love black and white and because those images of yours have a touch of mystery. Then I read.
An expensive and elegant pen to close lucrative deals, I see it well. In fact, I think it's perfect. And even more so the fact that it is a reminder in your life, it marks a moment when you reached a goal.
We all have something like Montblanc, something that is an important container of our history or an intense moment of it.
We should always reward ourselves. It is part of loving ourselves and encouraging us in our journey.
The question you ask at the end got me thinking. Maybe I will reward myself soon, when I achieve my next goal. But I must think carefully with what, because if I am honest, I am not attached to material things. I think I would treat myself to a moment somewhere magical in the company of someone special.
It's a good pen and it felt right to reward myself with that after the year I had had. The trick to these sort of rewards is to set them before one begins working towards the goal, for me anyway, it's a little extra motivation over and above the compelling reasons to achieve the goal.
Rewards are not always material things, or shouldn't be. I've rewarded myself in various ways, very large and incredibly small commensurate to the goal achieved, and each of them have been as valuable as the others.
Good luck with your reward, I hope you think up something suitable and attain the goal so you can get it.
Yes, I know. But I was thinking about the possibility of rewarding me this time with something material and expensive. hahaha... However, I have no idea what it could be. And you're right, for the next goal I'll set the reward from the start.
Thanks for your words and good wishes
This is ok too, there's nothing wrong with it. Only you know what you have put into the attainment of that goal and so only you can devise the appropriate reward.
I think sometimes rewards can help a lot in terms of morale, especially when the going gets tough. For me it's mostly good food, or experiences like a relaxing massage.
Food, nights out, are an excellent reward for mini-goals, those milestones reached in the journey to the greater goal. I do it too.
Nice. It's a thing of beauty @galenkp. 🚀
And a great way to symbolize your win.
Thank you, and yes it's a pretty special pen; Montblanc know how to put a thing together well and it felt right to have it after all that expended effort.
I think proper black and white is pretty challenging to get good results in so I don't think you did too badly.
And I think it really adds a little something when you use a classy pen to sign papers XD
I'm going to try some more black and white, see what I can produce. It might be terrible. Lol...Just a warning.
Then you just keep practising and experimenting and trying til it's not terrible :D
Indeed...or just be terrible and own it. 😉
My father also loves Montblanc - and I think your photographs are excellent Galen
It's excellent quality stuff and well designed too. (I mean all of their products) I hope you're well, thanks for stopping by with a comment.
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congratulations about the pen.
Yes indeed.
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