Living Life With ‘The Four Agreements'

Most people are very hard on themselves, hindering their success with a mindset that blocks their potential. It's a human thing that most people can relate to, the idea that "I am my own worst enemy." While hard to admit or change, there are ways to combat the doubt. Don Miguel Ruiz's 'The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom' allows people to take a step back and understand that we are all just human. We are all flawed and those flaws impact our behavior. These agreements give a simple solution to living a more positive, fulfilling life. Each work together to help you feel less stressed about things that don't really matter.

1. Be impeccable with your word.

2. Don't take anything personally.

3. Don't make assumptions.

4. Always do your best.

Depending on what your challenges are, some agreements may be harder to tackle than others. For example, I always had a problem with the first one. 'Be impeccable with your word.' I am for some horrible reason a habitual flake. I tell my friends and family that I will be somewhere and at the last minute, decide can't go. Sometimes I'll even commit to things I know I can't attend because I feel bad. Ultimately creating a greater issue once the event comes. It's a bad trait that I am learning to improve. This book is a reminder, to be honest, and with this first particular agreement coincide with the last one 'Always Do Your Best.' I am doing my best to be a more reliable friend, sister, and daughter.

Practice all the agreements to have a better understanding of others, like not taking anything personally or making assumptions. It's all about perspective. We like to think everything is about us but in reality, others are going through their own battles. Those battles affect the way they act and how it really has nothing to do with you. Similar to the instances when you have a bad day and subconsciously demean your waitress. Everyone is multidimensional and fighting through their experiences. This book encourages you to have empathy and see the bigger picture of human life. I recommend this for anyone feeling stuck, left out or even depressed. Take some time to better understand yourself and which agreement you need to work on. It will help improve your relationship with others and hopefully create better communication skills as it did for me.