The Four Agreements

Ageless Wisdom to Navigate the Business of?Life

“The Four Agreements” is a best-selling book by Don Miguel Ruiz.

In it, Ruiz perfectly conveys ancient Toltec wisdom into four practical principles that promise personal freedom and joy. It’s one of my favorite books, and I keep several copies on the shelf to give away as needed.

These agreements are simple, common-sense ways of being. But when we look around, they are not easy to live by based on the worst ways we treat each other.

1. Be impeccable with your word. Do what you say, say what you mean, and mean what you say.
2. Don’t take anything personally. It’s one of the most challenging hurdles humans can overcome because the need for approval is typically strong.
3. Don’t make assumptions. Because they suck. That’s all about that.
4. Always do your best. No ghosting or quiet quitting, for example.

Choices We?Make

When we don’t follow the Four Agreements, there are cosmic consequences.

Some call it Karma. Emerson calls it the Law of Compensation.

I like to say, “Don’t be a selfish jerk.”

We get what we give, which is the essence of it.

Most of us learn from consequences. Some don’t.

If sinning means “missing the mark,” we can learn from the suffering so as not to miss the mark in the future.

That’s a byproduct of wisdom.

When we miss the mark, we can own our part, do better next time, and say sorry.

With enough practice, we can forgive ourselves and others. Shame and quilting are not virtues, despite what some religions would say.

We can become less self-centered, empathetic, and emotionally mature. We can become more resilient, trustworthy, and virtue-centered.

Free Yourself

We hold ourselves back more than we know. Think about your self-talk. It can be harsh if you’re like most of us until you learn to change the critical voice within.

We often let our need for approval compromise our authentic selves, and we let the self-doubt of others hold us back. We sell out, which blocks us from knowing and getting what we want.

It’s like selling our souls.

We let fear get in the way, and we often quit. For some of us, the fear is so bad that we never start. We stay stuck in a life rut.

When we live by the Four Agreements, we can free ourselves from self-limiting, suffering, and harm to others, intentional or not. These timeless guideposts keep us on track when distracted or knocked off course.

Living By the?Rules

One of the benefits of aging and acquiring wisdom is not sweating the small stuff or violating the Four Agreements.

Given the willingness, we can learn to live by the rules of nature and the universe in grace, surrender, and acceptance.

If we could choose one rule by which we agree to live, let it be the Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule encompasses the Four Agreements. This ageless wisdom is more important now than ever.

Live by the Golden Rule. Keep and follow the Four Agreements.

I’ve found these ways to live better.

May you find your way.

Thanks for reading, commenting, and sharing my article. It was originally published on Medium. When not coaching and advising emerging entrepreneurs, business owners, and executives, I help people “Discover the Art and Business of Life” by writing, speaking, coaching, and advocating for entrepreneurship, small business, mental wealth, and well-being. Check me out on YouTube @ArtfulLivingChannel. Learn more about my consulting at www.CliffordJones.com or subscribe to The Clarity Letter on Substack.