"Doing your best is taking the action because you love it, not because you’re expecting a reward."

From childhood, we are conditioned by society through rules, beliefs, and expectations, a process Ruiz calls "domestication." These external influences shape our behavior and self-perception, often leading to self-limiting beliefs. Breaking free from this domestication is essential to rediscovering our true selves and living authentically.

The Domestication Of Humans

"When you take things personally, then you take it with you. It becomes part of your dream."

Your words hold immense power—they can create or destroy. This agreement encourages you to speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid gossip or negativity. By using your words to spread truth and positivity, you can build stronger relationships and foster self-respect.

The First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word

Gossip is like a form of black magic; it’s a misuse of our word to poison the minds of others and ourselves.

Doing your best means giving your full effort in every situation, without overthinking or expecting perfection. Your best will vary from moment to moment, depending on your circumstances, but as long as you give your all, there is no regret. This agreement encourages self-compassion and understanding, knowing that doing your best is all you can control.

The Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a practical guide to personal freedom, rooted in ancient Toltec wisdom. It introduces four transformative principles that challenge the self-limiting beliefs we inherit from society and guide us toward clarity, self-awareness, and authenticity. By practicing these agreements, we can break free from negativity and embrace a more harmonious and fulfilling life.

About The Book

Nothing others say or do is truly about you—it’s a reflection of their own reality, beliefs, and emotions. When you stop taking things personally, you free yourself from unnecessary suffering and the opinions of others. This agreement helps you stay grounded and maintain inner peace, no matter what happens around you.

The Second Agreement: Don’t Take Anything Personally

"We only see what we want to see. We only hear what we want to hear. We don't perceive things the way they are"

Making assumptions often leads to misunderstandings and unnecessary conflict. Instead of assuming what others think or feel, ask questions and communicate clearly. This agreement encourages you to seek clarity and avoid creating false narratives in your mind.

The Third Agreement: Don’t Make Assumptions

By practicing the Four Agreements—being impeccable with your word, not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best—you can create a life of freedom, happiness, and love. These agreements help you break free from the limitations imposed by societal conditioning and live in alignment with your true self. Remember, it's not about perfection, but about progress and transformation.

Final Thoughts

In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love. •  A New York Times bestseller for over a decade •  Translated into 50 languages worldwide   “This book by don Miguel Ruiz, simple yet so powerful, has made a tremendous difference in how I think and act in every encounter.” — Oprah Winfrey “Don Miguel Ruiz’s book is a roadmap to enlightenment and freedom.” — Deepak Chopra, Author, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success “An inspiring book with many great lessons.” — Wayne Dyer, Author, Real Magic “In the tradition of Castaneda, Ruiz distills essential Toltec wisdom, expressing with clarity and impeccability what it means for men and women to live as peaceful warriors in the modern world.” — Dan Millman, Author, Way of the Peaceful Warrior

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

books

Books

Don Miguel Ruiz is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Don Miguel Ruiz has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Don Miguel Ruiz's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

Don Miguel Ruiz

Janet Mills is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. Janet Mills has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. Janet Mills's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

DON MIGUEL RUIZ

Similar ideas

4. Always do your best

Action Dissolves Fear

Acting for change