The importance of applying the 4 agreements to your daily life

“ Everyone is going to have a different opinion according to their belief system, so nothing they think about me is really about me, but it is about them. ― Don Miguel Ruiz”

Before I say anything, I want to emphasize that since the time I applied these agreements into my daily life, I’ve lived better in every aspect. These agreements are very straightforward, and you’ll be able to use them regardless of the situation you are in. In case you haven’t heard of them, The Four Agreements is a compelling book written by Don Miguel Ruiz. It comes from the tradition of the Toltecs, which were an ancient group of indigenous people in Mexico. These agreements demonstrate how since childhood we’ve been domesticated with specific guiding rules or elements that could hurt us and haven’t been necessarily chosen by us; by applying this new set of “guidelines,” we can possibly be better people. Check out the book here!!

#1 - Be impeccable with your word. It is important that we act and speak with integrity. Say only what we mean and be truthful to our word. People talk because they have to say something, but only some speak because they have something to say. Words are powerful, and we should not use them to say hurtful things towards us or others. Not everything that we think is meant to be said, and people usually disguise it as freedom of speech.

#2 - Don’t take anything personally. Understand that nothing others do is because of you but rather a projection of their own reality. As the book mentions, when we take something personally, we are making the assumption that they know what our world is like. Even if a situation seems personal or others insult you directly, what they say has nothing to do with you but a reflection of their own perspective. It’s helpful to acknowledge that their views do not determine who we are.

#3 - Don’t make assumptions. This one is crucial for me because assuming that you know what other people feel or think about you is limiting. It is better that you ask questions and express what you really want rather than trying to mind read since we will often end up being wrong or misunderstood.

#4 - Always do your best. Our best is constantly changing depending on the different situations we go through. Even if you are sad, happy, sick, or healthy, we should try to do our very best at that moment. We can’t achieve our goals by being lazy, and if you give your best, you’ll avoid internal judgment.

Let me know how you liked this article and think about which one of the four agreements you feel like could be improved or turned into little actions for your daily life. Reflect on this, and I hope the answers lead you to a more prosperous and mindful way of living.