The 4 Agreements of Work
Calmness for the storm of work
In our hyper connected and overstimulating world, it’s all too easy to get swept up in the moral status quo of the day. Everywhere we look, there’s a new opinion we’re expected to adopt without question.
I’d like to share more uplifting, solution focused content here once in a while, because one of the best ways I maintain my sanity is through reading. Whenever I feel mentally off balance, I cut back on screen time and turn to my Kindle, which is my most cherished possession.
Although I read both fiction and non fiction, personal development books have a special place in my heart. Ten years ago, I was just a broke girl with a dream, and discovering other people’s moral principles helped me grow and break difficult family cycles.
That said, I’m not trying to be the next Tai Lopez copycat, constantly quoting random rich dudes. Instead, I hope to share genuine, practical lessons that have shaped my life—and maybe they’ll shape yours, too.
So here’s me attempting to share my personal development passion into soft feminine motivation, to make your day at work a little less hellish.
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I always have a book list tagged in my link in bio: Books that have Altered my Brain Chemistry Forever. I am always adding to it, so make sure to check it regularly.
Today, I want to focus on The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Whether you have or have not read it, I want to take the 4 agreements he defines in this book and bring it into the context of work. They are such simple principles that can be used in any scenario, so, why not start with that thing we do all day - work!
"Be impeccable with your word"
It’s simple - Do what you say you are going to do.
Even if you can’t do it when you say you are going to, communicate extensions.
Tell people you are grateful of them when they do a good job or are pleasant to work with.
And at the same time, know your words are powerful. Blindly saying yes to everything and not communicating our boundaries hurst ourselves.
"Do not take anything personally"
Almost nothing in the workplace. If you didn’t do anything wrong objectively, you have nothing to apologize for.
Don’t internalize other shitty people’s shitty behavior from their shitty moods.
Another thing, to be a martyr is selfish. When we people please for others acceptance, we are expecting other people to accept us before we do. That’s not other people’s job.
Everyone is out for their own career progress, even your boss. Don’t take anything personally.
Whenever I remind myself of this I immediately feel freer, lighter, and inspired.
"Do not make assumptions"
Stay curious. The metonty of corporate America can put us on autopilot, especially our reactions.
"Always do your best"
This is a slippery slope at work because always doing your best can lead to being taken advantage of. So I don’t always mean always be the best, rockstar employee. You can if you are one, no shame here. But we all know that’s not the end-all solution to career progression.
But be the best version of yourself in this moment.
Nervous about a meeting tomorrow? Wear your favorite winter sweater with that color that looks good on you. Don’t know how to start on that big scary project? Take one small mediocre stab at it.
Your future self will thank you!
Please pass this along to any friends/coworkers that are not subscribed to this newsletter!
You have no idea how many people are having a hard moment in life and crave your support. And sometimes support can be as easy as reminding people of the simple stuff!
Xoxo,
Gabrielle