We have all heard this phrase “Everything happens for a reason”. Sometimes we have no control over certain situations. There is only one thing we can control and that is ourselves. In the business world, as service providers, we work with many people with many different personalities and moods. And yes sometimes the different moods and personalities can be packaged into just one person!

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote a book called “The Four Agreements” based on Toltec teachings. Applying the 4 agreements to your life, both professionally and personally, can help you deal with anything that comes your way. As you read each agreement, one may strongly hit a nerve.

The Four Agreements® by Don Miguel Ruiz

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word
   Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.
2. Don’t Take Anything Personally
   Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.
3. Don’t Make Assumptions
   Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.
4. Always Do Your best
   Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Each agreement will mean something different to each person. The one that stands out the most should be the one to start applying first. Then move onto another one. Once we realize that the only thing we can control is our own reactions, and ourselves we can better handle clients, coworkers, friends and family that continually seem to push our buttons or create stress in our lives. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy by taking everything personally. Once we learn not to, we can be better friends with ourselves. That positive change in perspective can transform our life at every level.