Reading- "The Four Agreements"

 

Link to buy

So a friend / coworker loaned me this book. It's well worth your time. I thought I'd share some of what I got out of it. What are the agreements? 

1. Be impeccable with your word.  

2. Don't take it personally.

3. Do not assume.

4. Always do your best. 

A few initial thoughts. 

Being impeccable with your word means more than keeping your word. It also means not using your words to hurt others. Don't gossip about others. When you do it is more a reflection on yourself than the person you are talking about. Words can be very powerful for hurting or helping others. Choose them with care.   

Don't take it personally. Whatever people say about is mos often more a reflection of themselves than you. Stay out of the rumor mill and remain unconcerned about gossip. People are going to talk. Let them. Know yourself. 

Don't assume. Ask. Not sure what someone means or wants? Ask them. I like repeating back my understanding, "... Do I understand you correctly?" If not, they can correct me. One of the biggest lessons from my work is learning not to assume something based on looks and appearances. The guy in a tee shirt and jeans, covered in tattoos bay be a plumber or could have a PhD in linguistics. There is no way to tell based on appearances, yet we do it all the time. Try not to. 

Do your best at anything you do. Work in fast food? Be the best worker you can be. If that is not where you want to be, know nothing is forever and you will move on from it. Do the best you can. Your best can very based on how you feel. Late in the day you are going to be tired and worn down. Your best will be different. Don't get upset with yourself.  Retire your inner judge. 

I will remember these by assigning each to a person in my life:

Dad kept his word and did not gossip, 

Uncle Chip judged no one, including himself. 

My friend, Dave, makes no assumptions. 

My wife, Thu, always does her best.

There is a lot more going on in this great little book! Too much to cover in a short blog post. Buy / borrow this book and see what you can learn from it.