The Fourth Agreement: Always Do Your Best
In The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz reminds us to always do our best. This simple yet profound principle has woven itself into the tapestry of my life, especially regarding technology, relationships, and creativity.
Doing My Best with Technology
Some days, technology challenges can feel like a relentless maze of frustration. Whether it’s trying to figure out new software, troubleshooting website glitches, or handling technical failures, I’ve learned that my best on any given day can vary. There are moments when everything clicks, and I’m in flow, effortlessly solving problems. On other days, it’s a test of patience. What helps me is the commitment not to give up. Even if I don’t have all the answers right away, I remind myself that doing my best means continuing to try, learning along the way, and knowing that persistence is its own form of success.
Doing My Best with People
The art of human connection is another place where I strive to apply the principle of doing my best. Whether in my coaching practice, with family, or with friends, my goal is always to meet people where they are, without judgment. Some days, it’s easier to stay grounded in acceptance, to be a compassionate listener, and to uplift others. But like all of us, I have days when it’s harder. I’ve learned that doing my best isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up authentically, with kindness, and making others feel good whenever I can. The beauty of this agreement is that it allows room for our humanity—for those moments where we may fall short, knowing that we’ve still done our best in that moment.
Doing My Best with Creativity
My creativity ebbs and flows like the tide; some days, the ideas pour out effortlessly, while others feel blocked or stagnant. I’ve come to understand that when I trust in the process and do my best, even when inspiration feels scarce, I am rewarded. My best isn’t measured by external validation or the final product. It’s the satisfaction of knowing I’ve taken action, made space for creativity, and allowed myself to express what’s within. I do my best simply because I love what I do—no rewards are necessary when the process fills me with gratitude.
Doing Your Best is a Habit
Doing your best is not just a goal—it’s a habit and a great one to have. I strive to do my best in everything I do and feel. The first three agreements—Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, and Don’t make assumptions—will only work if you do your best. Don’t expect that you will always be impeccable with your word; just do your best. Don’t expect that you won’t ever take anything personally. Just do your best. Don’t expect that you’ll never make assumptions. Just do your best. The magic happens when you keep showing up and giving your best effort, no matter the circumstances. Over time, you’ll find that these habits weaken and become less frequent.
Taking Action is Enough
Ruiz beautifully reminds us that when we always do our best, we avoid self-judgment and regret. For me, this Agreement isn’t about striving for perfection but about embracing the action itself. Whether I’m tackling technology, interacting with people, or creating something new, as long as I know I’ve given my best effort, I can rest easy. The reward is in the doing, in the commitment to show up fully, no matter what the outcome. And that’s where I find my gratitude—knowing that each day, in every situation, I’m doing the best I can with what I have.
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