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| G-Force |
One of our Beach Boot Camp recruits of several years nicknamed G-Force, recommended a book to read, titled The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. So I followed his advice. If you are looking for some guidance on how to lead a healthier, more productive life with meaningful relationships, both private and business, The Four Agreements will help you. What are the four agreements? You may or may not embrace the complete Toltec philosophies about life. One thing is for sure. All can benefit from The Four Agreements, if they agree to do so and practice them on a daily basis.
The Four Agreements:
The First Agreement: Be impeccable with your word.
You carefully watch that you are truthful and that your words are not harmful.
The Second Agreement: Don't take anything personally.
Taking anything personally will harm you and others. It is poison.
The Third Agreement: Don't make assumptions.
Making assumptions about what people say and how you think about them - assumptions are mostly negative - will is destructive for you and others. For example, you have decided that you don't like a certain person based on how you think that person is. Abraham Lincoln had the insight to recognize the risk of such assumptions. He said, "I don't like that person. I think I need to get to know that person better." The truth is assumptions are made with half-baked and, in some cases, completely unsubstantiated information. Complete communication is key. Ask the additional questions to make sure you really understand whomever you are speaking with. Many times, we don't have the courage to clarify.
The Fourth Agreement: Always do your best.
Always do your best does not mean perfection. That would be unrealistic. Your best may fluctuate from time to time. Nevertheless stay on track with the first three agreements. That's what doing your best refers to.
