Being a student in the modern age is to struggle daily with information and connectivity overload far beyond what a human brain can reasonably and effectively process. Knowing about situations that may affect a person, but over which that person has little to no control, is a stressor that can drive anxiety and depression, and that takes up cognitive load that becomes unavailable to do the work of learning.

Students often come to academic coaching with a host of challenges, preoccupations, and internal narratives that drain cognitive load. One of the most important roles a coach can have for a student is to help them separate what they can control from what they cannot, and to ask questions that invite them to focus their attention on what lies within their control. The concept of a circle of control is widely used in psychology and is detailed in this article, which adds the concept of a circle of influence (limited control) in between the circle of control (the inner circle where we can take action) and the circle of concern (the outer circle that is out of our control but that affects us). Depending on the student, it may be simpler and more effective to limit the conversation to the binary of what is in the student's control and what is not.

Questions like these can help move a student to define actions that lie within their circle of control: 

• Right now, what is out of your control, and what is in your control? (A coach might even have a student list answers to each, or use a circle diagram on which a student can write.)

• How can you minimize your exposure to anything that reminds you of what you cannot control? (this could involve technology, or space, or relationships) 

• Within what you can control, what goal feels most important to achieve soon?

• What action(s) can you take today, or this week, to move that goal forward? 

Growing as a coach is within YOUR circle of control — and LifeBound can partner with you in that goal. 

Live 3-Day Virtual Course



2024 Dates:

Dec 12, 13, 16

2025 Dates:

Jan 6, 8, 10

February 7, 14, 21

March 14, 21, 28

April 4, 11, 18

(view all 2025 dates online)

Time:

3 days, 6 hours each

Cost:

$1,500 per person

Announcing LifeBound's New Self-Paced Inclusive Coaching Course! 

Equip students with the skills they need for both academic and professional success on YOUR time.

We’re excited to announce the launch of our self-paced online Inclusive Coaching Course, now available in addition to our 3-day live virtual course. 

With the rising challenges that today’s students face, inclusive academic coaching is more important than ever in preparing students for success in both college and the workforce.

Every college needs a plan for a campus-wide culture of coaching. 

This new self-paced course offers 15 hours of in-depth training of evidence-based coaching skills, including practice scenarios and coaching demonstrations, tailored to help you build and refine essential coaching skills on your own timeline with a six week period. You will also receive three private sessions with a LifeBound coach to demonstrate your skills and receive personalized feedback to achieve your certificate of completion and become eligible for LifeBound’s certification cohort.

To learn more and enroll in the Self-paced Inclusive Coaching Course, click here.

Why Coaching Matters Now More Than Ever

With reports like the Strada study showing that many recent graduates are underemployed, and a recent Fortune article revealing that many young workers are being fired within months of being hired, it’s more important than ever to help students build career readiness. As an academic coach, your role is critical in helping students develop the skills, motivation, and mindsets they need to thrive in the workplace.

The Only Training That Bridges Academic Success & Career Readiness

LifeBound’s self-paced course is the only coaching course that is uniquely designed to help coaches bridge the gap between student success and career readiness, while also focusing on cultural competence and supporting diverse student populations.   

Additionally, LifeBound is the only program created by academic coaches, for academic coaches. You’ll learn directly from award-winning academic coaches who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of working with students in higher education. 

Self-Paced Online or 3-Day Virtual Course, which one is right for you?

Self-Paced Online Course Benefits:

• Flexible Learning: Complete at your own pace without taking time off work
• Deeper Content Dive: Explore key coaching concepts in greater depth
• 1:1 Mentorship: Receive personalized feedback in three private sessions with a LifeBound coach

Live 3-Day Virtual Course Benefits:

• Highly Interactive: Real-time discussions and role-play with peers and trainers
• Complete in Three Fridays: Typically held over three consecutive Fridays (December varies)
• Immediate Feedback: Get instant feedback from peers during live sessions

If flexibility and a deeper dive fit your needs, choose the self-paced course. If you prefer live engagement with other coaches, consider the live virtual course.

Spread the word! Get your colleagues trained quickly

If you have colleagues at your institution who need to train-up quickly or refresh their coaching skills, now is the perfect time for them to sign up for the self-paced online or 3-Day Virtual Course. LifeBound also offers group packages to help train multiple staff or faculty at once, making it easier to equip your entire team with essential coaching tools in these pressing times. 

Upcoming events and special discount for LifeBound Graduates

Self-Paced Online Course Dates:

Choose the dates that work best for your schedule

Time:

15 hours, self-paced, plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Cost:

$1,500 per person

If you’ve already completed the LifeBound one-day or three-day program, email us at contact@lifebound.com to receive a special discount code for $500 off the new self-paced course.