The Four Agreements: Simple Techniques to Transform Career
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is one of the most influential books on personal growth and spirituality. Rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom, these agreements offer practical insights into transforming our lives, freeing ourselves from unnecessary suffering, and building a more aligned life with our values and authentic selves.
This blog explores each agreement, how it applies to modern life, and practical ideas for embracing it.
#1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
The first agreement emphasizes the power of words. To be impeccable with your words means to speak with integrity, honesty, and kindness. Our words can create, inspire, or destroy; what we say often shapes how we experience the world.
In the age of constant communication — through social media, texting, and emails — it’s easy to engage in gossip, criticism, or passive-aggressive comments online without thinking twice. Before hitting “send” or “post,” ask yourself: “Is this in line with my integrity? Imagine how much lighter you’d feel if you consciously used your words to uplift rather than criticize.
“Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others — The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.”
For example, suppose you’re in a work meeting, and a colleague presents an idea you disagree with. Instead of making a harsh or dismissive comment, you could say, “I see where you’re coming from, but I have a different perspective. Here’s why…” Doing this ensures you maintain respect while expressing your thoughts clearly and truthfully.
Techniques to Practice:
- Mindful Speaking: Before saying something, take a moment to reflect: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? This practice will help you avoid speaking in ways that harm others or yourself.
- Positive Affirmations: Use your words to uplift. Replace self-criticism with affirmations like “I am capable,” “I deserve happiness,” and “I am enough.”
- Set Boundaries: Being impeccable with your word means clearly communicating your needs. Learn to say “no” without guilt and stand firm in your beliefs.
- Reflect: Start a daily journal to reflect on moments when you could have been more mindful with your words. How did your communication affect your relationships? Were there opportunities to express yourself more clearly or kindly?
#2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
This agreement teaches us that other people’s actions and words reflect their reality, not ours. When someone criticizes or offends us, it’s often rooted in their own struggles, biases, or experiences. We free ourselves from unnecessary suffering by learning not to take things personally.
“Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz.”
In the workplace, feedback can be tough, especially when it feels like a personal attack. Recognize that it might reflect their own frustrations. Don’t internalize their stress as your failure. Take constructive feedback, but leave behind the emotional baggage.
Techniques to Practice:
- Pause Before Reacting: If someone says something hurtful, take a breath and remind yourself, “This is not about me.” This will give you space to respond calmly instead of angrily.
- Build Self-Awareness: Understanding your triggers can help you navigate situations where you feel attacked. Why does a specific comment bother you? What’s the deeper issue?
- Empathy Exercise: Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Are they acting out of frustration, insecurity, or fear? Developing empathy can help you see beyond the surface of their words.
- Practice Gratitude: Each time you receive negative feedback, pause and write down three things you’re grateful for. It will prevent you from internalizing criticism.
#3. Don’t Make Assumptions
We often make assumptions about what others think, feel, or intend, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. This agreement encourages us to seek clarity instead of jumping to conclusions. When in doubt, ask questions, and don’t let assumptions create drama in your life.
Today, most communication happens through short texts and emails; it’s easy to misinterpret someone’s tone or intent. We often assume others are upset or ignoring us if they don’t respond immediately, creating unnecessary anxiety.
“Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings — The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz”
For example, you notice a friend hasn’t responded to your messages and assume they’re angry or upset with you. Instead of stewing in those assumptions, you reach out and ask if everything is okay.
Techniques to Practice:
- Ask Questions: Instead of assuming someone is upset with you, ask, “Is everything okay?” or “Did I say something that bothered you?” This opens the door to honest conversations.
- Communicate Clearly: Make it a habit to express your expectations openly to avoid leaving room for assumptions.
- Stop Mind-Reading. We often believe we know what others are thinking, but we don’t. Avoid the mental habit of guessing people’s thoughts or motivations. Ask yourself: “Do I have all the facts, or am I filling in the gaps?” Can there be an alternative explanation?
#4. Always Do Your Best
The final agreement is about self-compassion and consistency. “Always do your best” doesn’t mean being perfect; it means showing up fully and giving your best effort given the circumstances. Your best will vary from day to day, and that’s okay.
“Your best is going to change from 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 — The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz”
In today’s hustle culture, where everyone strives to “do more, be more, achieve more,” it’s easy to feel like your best is never enough. On a day when you’re feeling exhausted, your best might not look like it does on a more productive day — and that’s okay. Doing your best doesn’t mean overworking yourself.
Techniques to Practice:
- Release Perfectionism: Redefine what “your best” looks like each day, taking into account your energy levels, mental state, and priorities. Progress, not perfection.
- Reflect on Effort, Not Outcome: Shift your attention from the result to the effort you put in. Whether you succeeded or failed, celebrate the fact that you gave it your all.
- Establish Healthy Habits: Build routines that support your ability to give your best. This could mean getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, or exercising regularly to maintain mental and physical health.
- Build Self-compassion: At the end of each day, write down one thing you did your best at, regardless of the outcome.
A Path to Personal Freedom
These Four Agreements offer timeless wisdom for improving our relationships with others and ourselves. By practicing these agreements daily, we live with greater authenticity, inner peace, and freedom. These techniques may seem simple, but they can profoundly impact how you experience life and interact with the world.
Which of these agreements resonates with you the most?
