EP 217 – This Ancient Toltec Wisdom Will Revolutionize Your Career

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the stress and self-doubt that often accompany modern work? It is easy to blame heavy workloads or demanding bosses for our frustrations. But perhaps the real cause lies in the agreements we made with ourselves in the past.

Recently, a colleague described my professional approach as “too positively delusional.” In the past, such a remark would have triggered resentment and defensiveness. This time, I simply smiled and continued with the meeting. The difference was not in the events themselves, but in the changes, I had made within my own approach.

This transformation began with a simple, four-step framework, a contemporary adaptation of ancient Toltec wisdom.

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Let me start with two sentences from Apple’s – Think Different 1997 ad:

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers… While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

We explored Miguel Ruiz’s book The Four Agreements, drawing upon the ancient wisdom of the Toltecs. It presents a practical guide to overcoming self-limiting beliefs that fuel pain. For years, I interpreted these principles as personal advice. But when I applied them to my career, in emails, meetings, and my inner dialogue, stress and conflict began to fade. Why? Because they help you find an inner compass to manage what truly matters.

Today, we will revisit these agreements as tools for addressing specific career challenges, empowering you to become the architect of your professional life in 2026.

The First Agreement, Be Impeccable with Your Words

The First Agreement urges us to be impeccable with our words, meaning we should refrain from using language as a weapon against ourselves or others. This approach tackles two major issues: self-sabotage and workplace toxicity.

Consider the inner critic, the voice that whispers, “I’m not good enough.” Such words sow seeds of doubt, fuelling imposter syndrome. Gossip and harsh criticism similarly pollute the workplace, and that negativity inevitably influences your self-perception.

The solution is intentional communication. The agreement is to be reflective, not aggressive. Instead of saying, “I’m so foolish for missing that deadline,” try, “I mismanaged my time and can plan better.” The first is a harsh judgment; the second is an observation that points to improvement. Offer constructive feedback instead of blame and refuse to participate in gossip. Using offensive or negative language is like letting weeds grow in your mind’s garden.

Challenge yourself for one week: Whenever a negative thought arises, rephrase it. Replace “That’s bad” with “Figure it out. Do it better.” This habit fosters a more empowering perspective.

The Second Agreement, do not Take Anything Personally

The Second Agreement serves as a shield against the constant need for validation. If your boss sends a terse email, do you instantly worry you have made a mistake? If a coworker receives praise for something you also did, do you feel triggered?

The reality is that nothing others do is truly about you. Their actions reflect their own reality and challenges. The colleague who called me “too positively delusional” was expressing his own values and fears, not critiquing my work. Returning to Agreement One, he was not impeccable with his words… so why should I take it personally? Your boss’s terse email is a symptom of their stress, not a reflection of your competence.

This principle does not mean ignoring feedback but rather learning to distinguish useful information from emotional noise. When you stop taking things personally, you rise above workplace drama and gain true perspective, and therefore freedom.

Try this: When you feel triggered, take a breath and ask yourself, “What might be going on in their world?” This question creates a buffer between their action and your reaction, helping you reclaim your power.

The Third Agreement, do not Make Assumptions

The Third Agreement prevents misunderstandings and suffering that stem from poor communication. We often think we know what our boss wants or why a colleague has not replied, constructing elaborate scenarios in our minds.

The cost of making assumptions is always greater than simply asking a clarifying question. The solution is simple: stop trying to read minds, you do not know! Instead of assuming a coworker is upset, ask, “Is everything okay?” If you are unsure about a project, seek clarity: “Just so I’m on the right track, can you give me an example?”

Clear communication may require vulnerability, but that is what builds trust and replaces anxiety with certainty.

Challenge yourself for one day: Identify one assumption you are making and replace it with a direct question. The relief you experience will be immediate.

The Fourth Agreement, Always Do Your Best

The final agreement offers a remedy to perfectionism and self-judgment. Many believe they must operate at peak performance all the time. “It has to be perfect.” When they fall short, guilt takes over, leading to procrastination, self-judgment, or self-pity.

Recognize that “your best” fluctuates. Doing your best simply means giving all you can with the energy you have available right now. Your best effort on Tuesday morning may differ from your best on Friday afternoon.

This principle liberates you from perfectionism by shifting focus from outcomes to effort. If you did your best, there is no reason for regret or self-judgment. The outcome is not in your hands, what is in your hands is the effort you put in.

At the end of each workday, ask yourself: “Given my circumstances today, did I do my best?” If yes, let it go. If not, resolve to improve tomorrow, no need for self-punishment.

How the Four Agreements Can Transform Your Career

Be Impeccable with Your Word, end self-sabotaging thoughts.

Do not Take Anything Personally, build resilience.

Do not Make Assumptions, bring clarity into your life.

Always Do Your Best, free yourself from self-judgment.

This toolkit empowers you to reclaim control. Your stress does not originate from your job, but from your reactions to it. By practicing these agreements, you gain the ability to choose healthier responses and a more peaceful life in 2026.

Do not attempt to master all four agreements at once. Select one to focus on this week, not taking things personally or asking one clarifying question. If this message resonates with you, subscribe for more insights on transforming your work from the inside out. True career growth is less about gaining new skills and more about achieving greater freedom. Thansk for your ratings to my books the Quality mindset, principles of quality and life quality projects… Thank you for watching and stay excellent!