Andrés RM Velarde
My Coaching Principles.
I’ve cultivated the following principles by coaching hundreds of people over the last half decade. These principles stem from my life principles, which you can read more about on the “Why Andrés” page.
You already have what you need within.
You may be blocked, but that doesn’t mean you’re less than or starting from a deficit. Your potential is limitless, and that contained within you is the wisdom to do what makes sense as you build a life and career you love. Your most ambitious goals are achievable.
You can only move from where you stand.
You’re not behind just because you haven’t done it yet. You’re exactly where you need to be, and this means you can only move from this exact point in time and space. While the past may contain insights on what to do next, present action begets more information. Act and see what happens.
Becoming is a process with no end.
You’re in constant flux. Who you were yesterday is different than who you are today and who you’ll be tomorrow. You can learn to flow more effortlessly if you embrace constant change as an inextricable part of your reality. Celebrate your wins and milestones, but don’t fail to see them as steps in a greater, infinite game of personal development.
Because it has to be you, it has to be intentional.
You will forge your own path. While you may learn from role models and mentors along the way, they cannot choose your path for you. It has to be you. So choose mindfully. You must work hard to understand the deeper why behind your decisions. Being honest about your why will help you be intentional in building a life you love.
Failure is inevitable. If you fail, begin again.
You won’t fully know if a decision is a good one or a bad one until after you make it and face the consequences. While making decisions is within your control, the outcomes of many decisions are not within your control. You will experience failure and setbacks. You will make mistakes. It’s your responsibility to learn from them. The only catastrophic failure is one you choose not to learn from.
Saying no and letting go are superpowers.
You may find more success, joy, and satisfaction by doing less, not more. Focus your time, energy, and attention on the fewer things that really matter to you. You must accept that every decision has a trade off, an opportunity cost. Letting go of the opportunity cost will release your from fear.
Your habits matter as much as your goals.
Repeatable actions, or habits, compound over time. You don’t have to check every item off your to-do list every day. But not doing anything will certainly lead to failure or worse — negatively compounding effects. Realize that compounding takes time. Be patient. “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” — James Clear
Your potential cannot be realized in a vacuum.
Finding out what you’re capable of will necessarily happen in community. It is paramount to cultivate your own tribe of mentors who challenge you to strive and who hold you accountable for your habits and goals. Seek mentors who are kind, curious, and helpful. Steer clear of critics, cynics, and pessimists. Be skeptical of masters who purport to have learned all there is to learn.
Not all growth comes through struggle.
Water flows easily downhill. Ask yourself often, what would it look like if it were easy? While discomfort is often a sign of growth, it does not follow that all growth must be uncomfortable. Growth can be easy. Notice what excites you and sparks your curiosity. Honor that and let it become your compass.
Creating a life you love requires giving your truest self to the world.
Communities flourish when people are willing to give freely without an expectation of anything in return. Know your worth and boundaries, but let go of entitlement. The world doesn’t owe you. You owe it to yourself to give your unique gifts to the world every day you’re alive. And what goes around, comes around.