This paper will review the adult learning skill of successful time management. Author Robert Half (1997) indicates that the skill of time management is becoming extremely important in order to function in today's busy world, "which calls on us to accomplish more -- with, of course, less time" (p. 79). Adult learners need to manage their time successfully to keep their life in balance and to get all the things done that are necessary in their busy lives. This paper will examine the different areas adult learners have to divide their time, the goals needed to be successful in giving the appropriate amount of time to each area, and ways to help achieve those goals. Selected examples will include the five life areas: personal, family, school/career, financial, and lifestyle; prioritizing; and planning a schedule.
Five Life Areas.
Personal.
Setting goals for the personal life area is best when people decide exactly who they are now and who they eventually want to become. According to author Ronald Gross (2003), this category includes "character, personality, physical appearance, and conduct" (p. 334). Setting goals may include losing weight, buying new clothes, going to church more often, or even reading a book for self-improvement. It is best to set short-term goals along with long-term goals, so it will seem possible to achieve the long-terms goals one step at a time.
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Family.
Creating family goals will vary among people, but those goals can include such answers to questions like whether or not they want any children and whether they want to be married or single. Goals for the family area may include spending more time with a spouse and/or children, working on damaged or uneasy relationships within a family, making plans for a birth or marriage, or even when to have more children. Ronald Gross (2003) indicates, "The goals you set can help build a solid, satisfying family life" (p.
