The Four Agreements

Ruiz explains that we all live according to agreements — beliefs and rules we've accepted, often unconsciously. Many of these cause unnecessary pain. His solution: replace them with four powerful new agreements.

📜 The Four Agreements

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

• Meaning: Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid gossip and self-criticism.

• Why it matters: Words are powerful—they can build or destroy. When you're impeccable (meaning “without sin”), you align with truth and love.

“Your word is the power that you have to create. It is a force.”

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

• Meaning: What others say or do is about them, not you.

• Why it matters: When you internalize other people’s opinions or actions, you give away your power.

“Nothing others do is because of you. It is because of themselves.”

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

• Meaning: Ask questions and express what you really want. Communicate clearly.

• Why it matters: Assumptions lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and disappointment.

“Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want.”

4. Always Do Your Best

• Meaning: Your “best” changes depending on energy, health, and circumstances. Just give your full effort in the moment.

• Why it matters: This protects you from regret and self-judgment. Doing your best is enough.

“Under any circumstance, always do your best, no more and no less.”

🔄 How They Work Together

• Being impeccable with your word builds self-respect.

• Not taking things personally protects your emotional peace.

• Avoiding assumptions improves clarity and relationships.

• Doing your best ensures lasting progress and inner satisfaction.

✅ Key Takeaway

If you consistently live by these four agreements, you’ll transform how you see yourself, others, and life. It’s simple, but deeply challenging—and liberating.