What Are The 4 Agreements?

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote The Four Agreements in 1997.  Since that time it has sold 7.2 million copies and has been translated into 40 languages.  That’s big.  It’s a lot.  I understand why.  I read the book when it first came out and I have read it on a yearly bases since.  This past week I revisited the wisdom of this powerful book.  I needed some reminders.  Here is a summary of the agreements from the research I found on the internet.

The First Agreement:  Be Impeccable With Your Word

Speak with integrity.  Say only what you mean.  Don’t use words that speak against who you are and most definitely do not gossip about others.  Your words are powerful so use them for inspiration, truth, and love.  I have found that it is best to use words that change a situation or a circumstance for the better.  If not, stay quiet and listen.

The Second Agreement:  Don’t Take Anything Personally

Nothing that others do is because of you.  What someone else says or does is a projection of their own reality.  If you want to save yourself from being the victim of needless suffering, don’t plug into the opinions and actions of others.  And, sometimes things just simply are not about you!  I have always said, what others think of me is none of my business.

The Third Agreement:  Don’t Make Assumptions

Have the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.  Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, negative emotions, and drama.  This one agreement  can completely transform your life.

The Fourth Agreement:  Always Do Your Best

Your best is going to change moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick.  Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret.  Check in with yourself at the end of each day and reflect on if you did your best during the day.

Recommendation:

If you have read The Four Agreements, read it again.  If you have never read it, do.  And then, grab a few extra copies and pass them along to loved ones, work mates, team mates, or any person that you would like to help and influence.

Stay true and be you —

Annie