"Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best, and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse, and regret." -Don Miguel Ruiz.

Over the last several weeks, we learned to have impeccable speech, not to take things personally, and never make assumptions about what we do not understand. Today, we arrive at the fourth agreement - Always Do Your Best. Don Miguel instructs us to do our best within each moment. As easy as this sounds, it has imperfections.

We live a dynamic (changing) existence throughout this lifetime. As much as we appreciate things remaining constant and steady, this is not the case. For example, 30 years ago, the Internet was in its infancy, barely the go-to source for information and connection to the rest of the world. Today, social media, websites, and research portals provide instant gratification at the click of a button. Technological advances develop at the speed of light (for science-minded people, that's 299,792,458 meters per second, or fast). As a result, speaking with good purpose, detaching from what others say about you, and clear communication becomes a daunting task.

Mr. Ruiz states that negative self-talk and self-judgment emerge when we break these agreements. These habits translate into new contracts we make with ourselves (i.e., "I'm so stupid, or Hey dummy pay attention to detail!"). With repetition, this way of thinking becomes our norm. The more we say it, the more we believe it. The more we believe it, the more we project this new perspective onto others because, without clear communication, we think everyone is exactly like us, and our "dream" becomes a vicious circle of pain and suffering. Remember, it is more about you than it is about others.

We often break the first three agreements when unwell, overstressed, or worrisome. Honoring this pact is a moment-by-moment process. It is best to hold space, be gentle, and begin anew with each breath and each encounter with another being. Perfectionism is the mother of stress and self-deprecation (belittling oneself). We must consistently remind ourselves that we are imperfect beings living the human experience. When things become frustrating, pause, and do your best with what you have in each moment to make this world a better place to live, not only for yourself but for others in kind. Until next time-

Namaste,

Tim

References

Ruiz, D (1997). The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. California: Amber-Allen Publishing.