The world is full of advice, “Top Ten Lists,” principles of living and wisdom of the ages. I’m a sponge for good ideas, especially when it deals with how to develop better habits.  I know that one of the keys to my personal and professional growth is the continuation of getting rid of bad habits, and creating permanent new habits.  Habits of thinking and habits of behavior are key.

A great resource for suggestions on how to best think and behave, and then thrive in life, is Miguel Ruiz’s best-selling book titled The Four Agreements.

According to the brilliant author, there are four very simple, but very difficult to follow principles to live by in order to create love and happiness in your life.

The Four Agreements are:

  1. Be Impeccable with your Word:  Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean – at all times, with no excuses.
  2. Don’t Take Anything Personally:  What other people do is usually not about you anyway.
  3. Don’t Make Assumptions:  You haven’t walked in the other person’s shoes.
  4. Do Your Best.  Don’t do less than your best – this is laziness.  Don’t do more than your best – you will burn out.

I try to follow these principles, and on the days that I get it right, my days are good. I think that if each of us followed these four simple principles, each and every day, we would be incredibly happy, successful, and the world would be a much better place.