As institutions prepare to begin the spring semester, there is a sense of a fresh start. Faculty and staff may hope that students who dragged what was left of themselves over the finish line last December have restored their energy and will be ready to hit the ground running for their new courses. Students who fell progressively more and more behind over the fall semester may hope that they can start productively and stay more on top of their weekly responsibilities. 

As genuine as these hopes are, they aren't always realized. Students often find themselves falling behind once again, around 5-6 weeks into the semester. And they are not the only ones. Faculty and staff, too, often hit a point where they realize that they are scrambling to keep up in a way that they hoped to avoid. 

Coaches have an opportunity to highlight an important concept with their coachees: Every day is an opportunity for that fresh start. Whatever has come before, change can happen in the present moment. This message can be especially important when a student isn't meeting with a coach weekly, and comes in worrying that their efforts may be "too little, too late."

Anytime this semester you can bring that beginning-of-semester hope and energy to students with questions like these:

• How would you function this week if it were the very beginning of the semester? What actions would you take, and how would they benefit you?

• What is getting in the way of enjoying learning, and how can you address this obstacle?

• If you had a friend in your position, what would you say to them to help them see the opportunity that today brings?

• What action can you take today that would make you feel like you were moving ahead?

• How can you turn today into the beginning of something positive and productive? 

For coaches as well, every day holds a possibility for growth and change. Grow your skills and insights with a LifeBound coaching training this spring.

3-Day Inclusive Coaching

February 2, 9, 16

March 1, 8, 15

April 12, 19, 26