Worth: The world’s most expensive pencil
In this week’s Wednesday Weekly I wrote about the world’s most expensive pencil, coming in at en eye-watering $12,800.
Made by Graf von Faber-Castell, it’s pretty to look at, but is it worth it? I’ve actually had one of their pens from the same range before (much less expensive I might add), and I wasn’t that keen.
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Hello dear reader - welcome to my Wednesday Weekly.
I've come to the conclusion that everyone has a favourite pen.
It may not be a specific instrument; it could be a generic biro, or any "chunky" pen, or perhaps you're specifically a lover of a rollerball.
Personally, I prefer writing in pencil.
In fact, I own one very nice pen I use for writing letters (I reject technology wherever I can), and have boxes of pencils. I used to buy quite expensive pencils; my favourite being a brand called Yard-O-Led made in England and then one day, while writing with a $200 pencil, it suddenly struck me that the HB graphite inside it was the same as a standard, common-old wooden pencil that costs less than 20 English pence.
I felt a sudden sense of conflict with my Buddhist lifestyle I'd led for so long that taught me many things including value, and necessity, and worth.
What did I need a $200 pencil for?
I immediately switched, selling my pencil collection and donating the money to a charity I work with, replacing it with Dixon Ticonderoga (the same pencil Roald Dahl used to write our favourite childhood stories).
If you're still reeling over my pencil purchase extravagance, may I turn your attention to the world's most expensive pencil, which costs $12,800.
So actually mine were a real bargain.
What something is worth, is often what people are willing to pay for it, such as with art or rare and collectable items. However, that maxim has limits.
Today while talking with a client, he brought up a conversation we had a few weeks ago: "Something you said really got under my skin, in a positive way", he explained. "I commented on your lovely study and said you must be doing well for yourself, and you said to me 'I know my worth' and ever since I've wondered whether I really know my own worth."
We discussed how to find your worth and why it is so important, and I thanked Anthony for bringing it up because I think it will make a fantastic chapter in my new book.
Our worth is not simply the highest amount someone will pay for us, and if you hold out for the highest bidder you may well be bitterly disappointed. Our worth is found in legacy, and justified by the impact we make, and the results we get. What someone is worth is not directly about the cash, but primarily about how they can help.
There's an old reflective question that goes something like this:
"If you didn't turn up to work for a month, would the organisation cope and move on, or would your absence cause significant problems?". It's an idea that must be taken with a pinch of salt, not because it isn't important, but because some aren't in positions where they are able to make significant differences.
However, it's a useful point to begin reflection with: What is your worth? What difference do you make? What impact can you make?
Happy Wednesday,
Jez
PS. I am delighted to be featured in Microsoft's "Top 10 Sought-After Business Speakers in North America" alongside some remarkable names. Click here to take a look.
