The Academic’s New Year

By Jennifer McCrickerd, LifeBound Director of Academic Leader Development, Jan 1, 2026

A Case for Reflection Over Resolution

The August New Year

I am not one for New Year’s resolutions. I’m not sure if it’s a recognition that any resolution of mine is not likely to be terribly "resolute," or simply a vestige of my worldview that the "new year" actually begins at the end of August or early September.

However, if I take this moment of pause granted by the world’s commemoration of this date, I’d like to remind myself of some of the important ways I’ve benefitted from being a coach. Rejecting the fault-finding model of resolutions—looking at what is missing—I want to embrace an appreciative approach: reminding myself of the progress I’ve made in virtue of my continual practice of coaching.

1. Quieting the Mind

I have slowly improved my ability to quiet my mind and genuinely listen. After a lifetime of measuring my value by my ability to provide the right answers, I have come to rely on that ability. But, knowing that the best responses grow from the best understanding, I’ve worked to separate the two: first, understanding, and then, responding. As the frequency of my attention to this increases, so does my capacity to be fully present.

2. Curiosity and Good Faith

More often than not, I view the world and others in it with curiosity and the assumption of good faith. Consistently, meaningful conversations have followed from this stance. Any shared inquiry strengthens trust and relationships.

3. Embracing Perspective

I have continued to develop my capacity to genuinely embrace the perspective of another, while remaining attentive to where my own perspective interrupts that connection. This awareness allows me to hold space for others to fully explore their own thinking.

The Improvements Gained

By taking a moment to recognize our progress we not only give ourselves a moment to reflect and take pride but also a moment to look back to when we were more focused on the improvements needed than the improvements gained.

Wishing you a restorative pause and a happy 2026!

LifeBound coaching courses can help you reflect and prepare for the year ahead.

We offer flexible and affordable coaching training for faculty, academic coaches, and staff, including:

3-Day Virtual Coaching Course - Next Class: Jan 5, 7, 9
Self-Paced Coaching Course - Take anytime!
LifeBound Coaching Certification - Spring Cohort begins Jan 27

To learn more or explore which option is right for you, visit www.lifebound.com.

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Make 2026 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Coaching Course

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

NEXT CLASS: Jan 5, 7, 9

Time: 3 days, 6 hours each

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. Contact us about group rates.

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Self-Paced Coaching Course for Academic, Personal, and Professional Success

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

Choose Your Own Dates!

Time: 15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Format: Online

Cost: $1,500 per person. If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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LifeBound Certification Program

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Spring, Summer, and Fall Cohorts

Spring 2026 Cohort begins Jan 27 (Register by Jan 20)

Format: Online or in-person as available

Cost: $5,000 per person

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Let’s make this a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

Learn More at lifebound.com