The One Book That Changed The Game For Me

And how it helped a Superstar get through a tough time…

I love to read books. I get enjoyment out of finding new information and connecting it to old information to create new thoughts, ideas, and experiences for myself and others.

It’s something that’s important for people of all ages.

Recently I came across an incredible book and even though this is the second time I’ve read it, its profound insights shouls be shared.

A few years ago I was watching an ESPN special on Tom Brady, the quarterback for the New England Patriots.

I was curious to know the why, how, and what behind his relaxed demeanor.

During the special, Brady mentioned a book that he had during the entire process. And you know me; once I heard the word “book”, I was all ears.

Brady went on to talk about “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and I couldn’t pull out my phone fast enough.

I ordered the book immediatley and waited for it to deliver to my house. As all Amazon orders do, the book showed up almost instantly and within about a day and a half I finished, annotated, and thoroughly analyzed it.

This book changed the game for me and I’ve read quite a few books so far.

What’s so great about this book is that the agreements are simple and easy to implement. And with some practice they can set you free and change the game for you. They will free you from fear of other’s opinions, negative thinking patterns, stagnation, anxiety, you name it…

Below are the Four Agreements shared in this book:

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of thier own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be victim of needless suffering.

Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness, and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

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

After Brady talked about the book I knew it was a must-read. Diving into the material that helps high performers execute in rugged environments is important to me.

The expereince I had after learning these agreements was incredible. The power and energy I felt come back into my possesion was fascinating. So fascinating that I planned to read it again that same year, but I just never got around to it [insert sorry a** excuse].

Eventually life got in the way and I lost focus of my vision, letting distractions destroy my clarity. However, just a few weeks ago I met with a mentor of mine. We sat and talked about what was going on in my life and what my plans looked like for the future.

After uncovering some of the hidden obstacles I was facing (mainly a lack of self-confidence and conviction), he then reached back and grabbed a small book and handed it to me; it was the Four Agreements.

I told him that I read the book already, and that I had also read The Fifth Agreement written by the same author. But he encouraged me to read it again. And reading it for a second time (third time if you count the recap in The Fifth Agreement) helped me once again. It helped me overcome the fabricated stories I was telling myself and freed up a lot of energy.

Now I’ve incorporated this book into the my rotation and plan to read it at least a few more times before year-end.

Confucious so eliquently states, “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Life is filled with noise and most of that noise comes from the distractions we create in our minds. It’s in the simplest of ideas, concepts, and beliefs that we find opportunities to create the grandest human experiences.

The Four Agreements help to clear that noise.

Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements serves as a reminder of the power and energy we have within us. So live your life by these agreements and watch how much more you can accomplish.

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