The Four Agreements: A Guide to Personal Freedom & Practical Wisdom
I recently finished reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, and I have to say, this is one of the most straightforward and impactful books I've read in a long time. Its simplicity is what makes it so valuable, offering profound truths that are easy to apply in your daily life. Whether you're facing challenges, making difficult decisions, or just navigating the complexities of relationships, The Four Agreements provides a framework for personal freedom and growth. This book is for anyone ready to discover themselves and experience genuine inner peace.
In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on each agreement and how they've inspired me, and I hope you’ll share your key takeaways in the comments below!
1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
This is my favourite agreement, as it emphasises the transformative power of words. Our words hold the ability to create emotions, influence decisions, and shape our relationships—with ourselves and with others. Whether you’re engaging in positive self-talk or offering encouragement to others, your words can build a world of love, growth, and positivity.
Words You Use with Others:
Think about the impact your words have on the people around you. Words can inspire, uplift, and motivate. Compliment someone on their work, encourage a friend who is feeling lost, or simply express gratitude—these small acts of kindness have a ripple effect on creating a more positive world. The energy you put out comes back to you.
As a business owner, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of kind words from our community. Emails, comments, and messages about our paper goods and the joy they bring to your lives fill us with motivation. Your positive words inspire us to keep creating and sharing, which is why this agreement resonates so deeply with me.
Words You Use with Yourself:
Equally important are the words you speak to yourself. Positive self-talk shapes your self-esteem, confidence, and overall mindset. Negative self-talk, on the other hand, can lead to doubt and unhappiness. Learning to be kind to yourself with your words creates an environment where you can thrive, build resilience, and maintain a positive outlook even during challenging times.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
This agreement reminds us that other people’s actions and words are rarely about us—they’re often a reflection of their own struggles. When someone is rude or disrespectful, it’s easy to internalize it, but this only brings unnecessary stress and emotional turmoil.
The line from the book, “Nothing other people do is because of you,” is one I’ve carried with me since reading it. It helps me remain centered and unaffected by negativity. The key here is knowing and believing in yourself. When you have confidence in who you are, other people's judgments no longer hold power over you.
Next time you’re in a negative situation, take a deep breath and remind yourself—it’s not about you.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
How many times have you made assumptions about what someone is thinking, only to realise later that you were wrong? Assumptions create confusion, frustration, and conflict. Instead of assuming, ask questions. Clarification and communication prevent misunderstandings and promote peace in your relationships.
This agreement has been incredibly useful in my personal and professional life. Whenever I feel stressed or anxious about a situation, I ask myself, “Am I making assumptions, or do I know the facts?” Often, just asking this question helps me resolve any negative emotions. Clear communication is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress.
4. Always Do Your Best
This is the action-driven agreement that ties all the others together. Doing your best doesn’t mean being perfect—it means putting forth your best effort in each situation. Your best will look different on different days, depending on how you feel, your energy levels, and external circumstances. Some days, you’ll feel unstoppable, while other days may be more challenging—and that’s okay.
For me, this is essential as someone who works from home and runs a business. With endless tasks and responsibilities, I’ve learned to break things down into manageable, actionable steps. By focusing on what’s realistic for the day, I can celebrate small wins and avoid the overwhelm of trying to do everything at once.
This approach allows you to live life with fewer regrets and more fulfillment. You know that, at the end of each day, you’ve given your all, no matter what obstacles were in your way.
Personal Freedom and Happiness
At the heart of The Four Agreements is the concept of personal freedom. It’s about taking responsibility for your own happiness and actions. When you implement these agreements, you start to see life through a clearer, more compassionate lens. You embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and welcome positivity into your life.
“Happiness is a choice, and so is suffering.”
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we inspire, learn, and grow.
With Much Love,
xx Zane