Week One: Foundations, The Powerful Why, and an Introduction to The Four Agreements

A Powerful Gift That Changed Everything

Over a decade ago, a friend handed me The Four Agreements with a knowing smile and a single warning:

“This book can be as powerful as you make it. Be prepared.”

At first, I was amused. How could a book—just words on a page—hold that kind of power? But as I read, I quickly understood.

• By applying just one agreement—Be Impeccable with Your Word—my work life transformed.

  
  

• Conversations cleared up.

  
  

• Trust deepened.

  
  

• Everything aligned.

  
  

This week, we’re laying the foundation for our 48-week journey. The Four Agreements isn’t just a book; it’s a blueprint for living a life of clarity, integrity, and purpose.

Why Foundations Matter

Building something that lasts—a career, a relationship, or a fulfilling life—requires a strong foundation. Without it, even the best efforts crumble.

• The Four Agreements challenges you to break old patterns and replace them with meaningful principles.

  
  

• This isn’t about perfection. It’s about lasting change through timeless practices.

  
  

The Magic of Standing in Your Space

Sometimes, profound changes come from the simplest practices.

Here’s what happened:

• During my off-season (mid-December to mid-January), I took a deliberate break from tennis to recover.

  
  

• I spoke to my coach about growth opportunities, and she shared a story about Nolan Schanuel, a professional baseball player.

  
  

• During his off-season, Schanuel developed the discipline to STAND for most of the day.

  
  

My Takeaway: I decided to try it—not to the extreme he did, but enough to make standing a deliberate part of my day. The results?

• Increased stamina

• Greater presence

• Improved endurance I didn’t think was possible

  
  

Standing is highly underrated, and it’s not just about endurance—it’s about grounding yourself in your space.

📰 Read the full story here: Nolan Schanuel’s No-Sitting Workout.

An Introduction to The Four Agreements

Here’s a quick look at the four principles that will guide us:

1. Be Impeccable with Your Word

   • Words are powerful tools. Speak with honesty and care. Use them to build, not harm.

     
     

2. Don’t Take Anything Personally

   • What others say and do reflects their reality—not yours.

     
     

3. Don’t Make Assumptions

   • Ask questions instead of guessing. Clarity changes everything.

     
     

4. Always Do Your Best

   • Your “best” varies day to day. Honor your effort, not perfection.

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Why This Matters

Words shape reality. How you speak—to yourself and others—creates ripples in every area of life.

For me, this was my introduction to NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming).

• NLP teaches us that words influence how we see the world.

• Align your language with your values, and everything shifts.

  
  

By practicing these agreements, you’ll:

• Gain clarity.

• Build better habits.

• Strengthen your relationships.

  
  

Your First Step

Let’s make this personal:

🖋 Reflect on these questions:

• Where in your life do you feel stuck or disconnected?

• Which agreement could bring clarity or peace to that area?

  
  

✍️ Write down one area—self-talk, relationships, or work—where applying these principles could make an immediate difference.

Poetry and Philosophy for Perspective

Poem: “The Guest House” by Rumi, adapted by RWG

Imagine yourself as a guest house, doors wide open, curtains brushing in the breeze. Every morning, someone arrives—a cheerful stranger, a grumpy old friend, or a sudden gust of wind that slams the door shut.

Don’t panic. These visitors, even the ones who track mud across the rug or knock over the vase you always hated, are here for a reason.

Maybe they’re clearing the clutter, shaking out the dust, making room for something brighter, something you didn’t even know you wanted or needed.

Stand in the doorway, smile, and let them in.

Rumi’s Wisdom: Life isn’t about avoiding discomfort. It’s about embracing each experience. The Four Agreements give us tools to face these moments with clarity and strength.

Philosophy: Marcus Aurelius

“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find your strength.”

This aligns beautifully with The Four Agreements: Focus on what you can control—your words, thoughts, and actions. That’s where your power lies.

Next Steps

📚 Buy The Four Agreements: Purchase here

🔗 Learn More About the Author: Miguel Ruiz’s Website

🖋 Read Last Week’s Full Article: Week Zero: Painting Your Life Like the Golden Gate Bridge

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