Be Impeccable with Your Word

I recently picked up The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz (inscribed inside by my mom, Christmas 2000!) I have read it several times but wanted to reflect on it over the next 4 weeks.

The first agreement:

Be impeccable with your word.

In the book, Ruiz explains that our word is our power. It’s how we create meaning, how we "cast spells" on others. But I want to take it a step further and talk about our words to ourselves.

At first glance, this agreement sounds like it’s about honesty and integrity in how we speak outwardly:

Don’t lie.

Don’t gossip.

Don’t use words to harm.

All true.

But what struck me most—especially through a life drafting lens—is how much of our word is spoken internally. Quietly. Repeatedly. Unchallenged.

Because before your words ever become action, they exist as self-talk.

And many of us are living inside drafts written with sentences like:

“I’m just not disciplined.”

“I always fall off track.”

“This is probably too much for me.”

“Other people seem to have it figured out.”

Ruiz talks about how words shape belief, and belief shapes behavior. If that’s true (and I believe it is), then these statements aren’t harmless.

From a life drafting perspective, your words are not commentary. They are instructions.

Every sentence you repeat about who you are and what you’re capable of becomes part of the story your life is writing.

Being impeccable with your word doesn’t mean being fake-positive or denying struggle. It means being intentional, accurate, and compassionate with the language you use while your life is still in progress. That’s not avoidance. That’s integrity.

Ruiz reminds us that impeccability doesn’t mean perfection. It means alignment—using your word in a way that doesn’t turn against you.

Journal Prompts:

When have my words—spoken or internal—limited what I believed was possible for me?

What language do I use when I make a mistake?

What does being “impeccable” with my word actually mean for me right now—not perfectly, but honestly?

What phrases do I hear most often in my internal self-talk when I’m stressed, tired, or unsure?

What promises have I made to myself with my words—spoken or unspoken?

If my inner voice were a character in my life draft, what role would it be playing right now?

What tone do my inner words carry most often—encouraging, demanding, doubtful, impatient?

Affirmations:

• My words are powerful, and I use them with care—especially with myself.

• I am allowed to speak about my life as a work in progress.

• I choose language that supports growth, not shame.

• I can be honest without being harsh.

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Office Hours:  Office Hours for this month are on February 18th. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

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The Reflection Room:  I have decided that I won't be offering this any longer. I journal every morning, and I would love to support you in this beneficial habit.