Book of the Month! I am recommending some reading material to some of my coaches, and as such, I thought I would share these books, articles and videos with you. I will share more of my work during 2020 in the shape of podcasts, the launch of my Youtube channel and new publications. For now, I would like to review the book of the Month, “The Four Agreements”.
I like many of you are shocked by the news of the death of Caroline Flack. There is an outpouring of grieve for the star. I am filled with sadness today; as in my work, I try to coach and support people to live a better life, but I often see the ugly side of people. I have also realised that I am not prepared to be around negative individuals and try to control and abuse others for their own agenda.
I want to use my platform to call people out because we have all gone too far with our careless words and actions. Our words affect people, and I do not want to be part of a world that disrespects, hurts and dishonours others. I have shared the following book as a start for anyone who is wanting to change their lives.
This book gives you insights and a practical guide to personal freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. This is a wonderful book for stress management and personal growth. It’s written in simple language but deals with complex themes that can help you bring sweeping changes to your life.
Book Overview
Agreement 1: Be Impeccable With Your Word
Ruiz states that while this agreement is the most important, it is the most difficult to honour. For this agreement, Ruiz first analyzes the word “impeccable”. The word Impeccable comes from the Latin word peccatus, meaning “sin”, and the “I’m” at the beginning of impeccable is the Latin prefix that means “without”. Ruiz describes a sin to be anything that goes against oneself. Therefore, being impeccable with language means taking responsibility for one’s actions and remaining without judgment against oneself and others. In essence, this agreement focuses on the significance of speaking with integrity and carefully choosing words before saying them aloud.
Agreement 2: Don’t Take Anything Personally
The second agreement provides readers with a way to deal with hurtful treatment from others that they may experience in life. It advocates the importance of having a strong sense of self and not needing to rely on others’ opinions to be content and satisfied with their self-image. This agreement also allows readers to understand that each individual has a unique worldview that alters their own perceptions and that the actions and beliefs of a person are a projection of their own personal reality. Ruiz believes that anger, jealousy, envy, and even sadness can lessen or dissipate once individuals stop taking things personally.
Agreement 3: Don’t Make Assumptions
The third agreement describes making assumptions, how it leads to suffering, and why individuals should not partake in making them. When one assumes what others are thinking, it can create stress and interpersonal conflict because they believe their assumption represents the truth. Ruiz believes that a solution to overcoming the act of making an assumption is to ask questions and ensure that communication is clear between the persons involved. Individuals can avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama by not making assumptions.
Agreement 4: Always Do Your Best
The fourth agreement allows readers to have better insight into achieving progress towards their goals in life. This agreement entails integrating the first three agreements into daily life and living to its full potential. It involves doing the best that one can individually manage, which varies from the different situations and circumstances that the individual may encounter. Ruiz believes that if one avoids self-judgement and does their best in every given moment, they will be able to avoid regret. By incorporating the first three agreements and doing the best they can in all facets of life, individuals will be able to live a life free from sorrow and self-ridicule.
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Eileen specialises in helping clients with inspired learning and leadership development, by supporting and equipping talent management with a variety of training or coaching packages.
Eileen works with senior management teams, individuals, independents, & other coach’s on executive, interpersonal or business coaching.
Please visit Eileen’s training academy www.ehleadershipcoachingacademy.com www.eileenhutchinson.com