Tom Brady's Winning Mindset and The Four Agreements: A Guide to Improving Self-Esteem and Prioritizing Self-Care
Tom Brady has certainly had a tumultuous year. From his widely publicized divorce to his lackluster season, and then his retirement from the NFL, there’s no doubt life has been challenging for him. In the past, he has spoken about how the book, The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, has been an important way for him to manage his life. In this blog, I offer a summary of what the agreements are, and discuss how to incorporate them into your life to manage stress and prioritize self-care.
The Four Agreements is a book by Don Miguel Ruiz that offers a practical and spiritual approach to personal growth and transformation. The book provides four simple principles to follow that can help us to live happier, more fulfilling lives. These principles can be applied to every aspect of our lives, from our relationships with others to our relationship with ourselves. The Agreements are as follows:
- Be impeccable with your word. The first agreement is to be impeccable with your word. This means that you should speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid using words to speak against yourself or others. To incorporate this agreement into your life, start by paying attention to your words. Think before you speak and choose your words carefully. Be honest and straightforward in your communication and avoid gossip or speaking negatively about yourself or others.
- Don’t take anything personally. The second agreement is to not take anything personally. This means that you should not take things that others do or say personally. Everyone has their own perspective, and what others say or do reflects their own beliefs and values, not a reflection of you. To incorporate this agreement into your life, practice observing your thoughts and emotions without judgment. When you feel hurt or offended by someone, try to step back and see the situation from their point of view.
- Don’t make assumptions. The third agreement is to not make assumptions. This means that you should not assume that you know what others are thinking or feeling, and you should not make decisions based on assumptions. Instead, ask questions and clarify your understanding of a situation before making any judgments. To incorporate this agreement into your life, practice being curious and asking questions. Be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives.
- Always do your best. The fourth agreement is to always do your best. This means that you should do your best in every situation, regardless of the outcome. Focus on your efforts, not the results, and avoid judging yourself or others based on their performance. To incorporate this agreement into your life, set realistic goals and prioritize your tasks. Focus on what you can control and give yourself credit for your efforts, even if the outcome is not what you expected.
Incorporating the Four Agreements into your life can have a positive impact on your well-being and help you to improve your relationships with others. By being impeccable with your word, not taking anything personally, not making assumptions, and always doing your best, you can live a happier and more fulfilling life. You can find more purpose by detaching from external drama and staying focused on your emotions, behaviors, and reactions. Remember, it takes practice and patience to implement these principles into your life, but the effort is worth it. Start small by focusing on one agreement at a time. Even just working daily to take nothing personally can have a massive impact on your quality of life. Or maybe stop yourself when you start to make an assumption about a person or a particular situation. Ask yourself, "Could I be wrong in my assumption?", or "Can I be neutral on this subject rather than having an opinion?". Taking the time to 'pause', reflect, and step back, can help you to practice the four agreements in your day-to-day life.
For more information on this subject, or to set up an appointment to discuss how you can find more purpose, improve self-esteem, and develop a more positive mindset, contact us here.