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Believe it or not, Tom Brady and I share a routine. No, I am not talking about waking up at 5 a.m. and washing down a gallon of water with a glass of egg whites. What binds us in a common thread is our shared commitment to an annual ritual that transcends the world of touchdowns and Super Bowls. It’s reading “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz . Every year, amidst the chaos of professional pursuits and personal growth, both Brady and I find solace in revisiting this work, which seems to become even more relevant with time. "The Four Agreements" might be a quick read, but its impact is long lasting. It's a compass that guides us through the intricacies of life, offering principles that can be studied by anyone and applied to anything. In this blog post, I will talk about the agreements and what practicing them looks like in my work with political, faith-based and non-profit organizations. Agreement One: Be Impeccable with Your Word In the workplace, words carry weight – they can build bridges or erect walls. Being impeccable with your word means expressing yourself authentically and with integrity. In mission-driven settings, where ideals and values often take center stage, the power of words becomes even more pronounced. Communicate clearly, transparently, and with purpose, aligning your speech with the principles you uphold. The gist: Words have power. Choose wisely. Why it matters: Being impeccable with your word matters because it establishes trust and credibility in professional relationships. It ensures that your communication aligns with the organization's values, fostering a transparent and reliable environment. What it looks like: Imagine a scenario where a team member expresses a concern about a project. Instead of dismissing it, you respond with empathy, acknowledging their perspective and working collaboratively to address the issue. This demonstrates authenticity and integrity in your communication. Agreement Two: Don't Take Anything Personally In the heat of professional interactions, it's easy to feel personally attacked or offended. By not taking things personally, we are able to save our energy for addressing the tasks at hand without being drained by perceived interpersonal issues that might not even be based in reality. In an organizational setting, understanding that others' actions and words are more about them than about you can be a game-changer. The gist: Detach from personalizing every encounter and focus on the broader objectives at hand. Why it matters: Not taking anything personally is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. It allows individuals to focus on tasks and objectives without being hindered by personal emotions, promoting teamwork and efficient problem-solving. What it looks like: “I would have liked to be included in that meeting, but nobody invited me. Maybe it was an oversight, or maybe they assumed it would not have been of interest to me. I am going to talk to the Agreement Three: Don't Make Assumptions Assumptions can be detrimental in any workplace, but they become particularly perilous in political and faith-based settings where many of us see our work as a reflection of our most deeply rooted interpersonal values. Ruiz advises against making assumptions, urging us to seek clarity instead. Whether dealing with diverse political ideologies, religious perspectives, or philanthropic goals, approaching situations with an open mind and a willingness to understand differing viewpoints fosters a more inclusive and harmonious workplace. The gist: Making assumptions quickly leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Get into the practice of keeping an open mind. Why it matters: Avoiding assumptions is essential for building understanding and cooperation among individuals with different beliefs and values. It helps prevent stereotyping and allows for open-minded collaboration. What it looks like: “My colleague said something that caught me off guard as it didn’t align with my political beliefs or the beliefs I feel like anyone who works on this campaign should possess. I am going to ask them for more clarity before drawing any conclusions about what they actually meant based on that brief interaction.” Agreement Four: Always Do Your Best Always doing your best means embracing both self-compassion and dedication, recognizing that there are days when your absolute best may surpass previous achievements, while on other occasions, it may require a bit more resilience and acceptance. It's a commitment to staying attuned to the present moment, giving your all, and cultivating a mindset that values progress over perfection, understanding that each day unfolds with its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth.This principle encourages a dynamic understanding of excellence, acknowledging that the quality of your best can naturally fluctuate based on various factors, including energy levels, circumstances, and even emotional well-being. The gist: Anything worth doing is worth doing intentionally. Try to give your utmost effort in every situation, recognizing that your best may vary from day to day. Why it matters: Keeping our focus on doing our best in the present moment helps us achieve great things, little by little over time. What it looks like: “We fell short of our goal for ticket sales at this year’s gala despite using every resource available to us to promote the event. For next year’s event, we should consider an RFP process for fundraising consultants who can expand our reach. We learned so much through this process and had fun along the way. Next year’s gala will be even better!”  Conclusion In the world of high-stakes competition and ever-evolving dynamics within the workplace, identifying your personal values is essential for success and well-being. For me, these four agreements represent solid principles that offer more than just path to personal fulfillment – They lay the foundation for a workplace culture characterized by integrity, resilience, collaboration and personal responsibility. Whether we are a quarterback aiming for another championship or an advocate campaigning for social change, the wisdom of "The Four Agreements" helps us show up as our best self. Have you read a book that fundamentally changed the way you show up at work? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to know!