May 26, 2025
I read The Four Agreements a while back. Over the years, I have prioritized having these agreements present. Although my execution is imperfect, these agreements provide a foundation for personal leadership and a standard for measuring my influence.
As leaders, we are called to make a positive difference in the lives of others; the most important decision in embodying this truth is deciding who we will “be” in everything we say and do. This difference starts within each of us and multiplies.
I have represented John Maxwell’s team for nearly a decade, and he routinely shares that “everything rises and falls on leadership.” This prompts me to ask myself and you, “How are your people? Are they better as a result of your leadership?” In other words, are the people rising or falling because you are their leader?
Consider adopting these agreements to empower your mind to lead at a higher level. Embracing these agreements inspires us to let go of anything that diminishes our focus, energy, influence, happiness, and overall well-being.
Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Avoid using your words to speak against yourself or gossip about others; instead, use your power to offer love. Life can be straightforward when love is your way. This is your choice. Love in action only produces happiness. Love will give you inner peace and change your perspective on everything. The only reason you are happy is because you choose to be happy.
Don’t take anything personally. Whatever happens around you, don’t take it personally. Nothing people do is because of you. It is because of themselves. What they say, what they do, and the opinions they give are according to the agreements they have in their minds. If you take things personally, you eat their emotional garbage. When we see others as they are without taking things personally, we become immune to their opinions and actions, guiding us to avoid many upsets. There’s much freedom when you choose not to take things personally.
Don’t make assumptions. We assume its meaning because we don’t understand something or dare to ask questions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you want. Communicate with others as clearly as possible to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life. The way you keep yourself from assumptions is to ask questions until you are clear. You’ll start communicating cleanly and clearly when you stop making assumptions.
Always do your best. Under any circumstance, do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, negative self-talk, and regret. When you do your best, you’ll live your life intensely, be productive, be good to yourself, and create action, which is about living fully. Keep your attention on today. Always do your best today.
Intentionally Own It! What personalized growth does this message encourage me to pursue, and why does it matter? When will I take action, and what value will it add to my life and the lives of others when I do?