What are the best ways to manage your time as an adult learner and manager?

1 Assess your priorities

The first step to managing your time effectively is to assess your priorities. What are the most important and urgent tasks that you need to accomplish, both as a learner and as a manager? What are the deadlines, expectations, and outcomes that you need to meet? How do they align with your personal and professional values and vision? By clarifying your priorities, you can focus your time and energy on what matters most and avoid wasting time on irrelevant or low-value activities.

2 Plan your schedule

The second step to managing your time effectively is to plan your schedule. Based on your priorities, create a realistic and flexible plan for how you will allocate your time between learning and management activities. Consider how much time you need for each task, how you can break down larger projects into smaller steps, and how you can integrate your learning with your work. For example, you might set aside a specific time slot for studying, reading, or completing assignments, or you might use your commute, lunch break, or downtime to review or apply what you have learned. You might also look for opportunities to use your learning as a resource or a tool for your management work, such as applying a new skill, sharing a new insight, or solving a new problem.

3 Set boundaries and expectations

The third step to managing your time effectively is to set boundaries and expectations. As an adult learner and manager, you need to communicate clearly and assertively with your stakeholders, such as your boss, your colleagues, your clients, your instructors, and your family and friends. You need to let them know what your goals are, what your availability is, and what you need from them to support your success. You also need to respect your own limits and needs, and avoid taking on more than you can handle or compromising your health or well-being. By setting boundaries and expectations, you can reduce stress, avoid conflicts, and increase trust and collaboration.

4 Monitor and adjust

The fourth step to managing your time effectively is to monitor and adjust. As an adult learner and manager, you need to be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and demands. You need to track your progress, evaluate your results, and seek feedback on your performance, both as a learner and as a manager. You also need to review your schedule, assess your priorities, and make changes as needed. By monitoring and adjusting, you can improve your efficiency, effectiveness, and satisfaction.

5 Celebrate and reward

The fifth step to managing your time effectively is to celebrate and reward. As an adult learner and manager, you need to acknowledge and appreciate your achievements, both big and small. You need to recognize the value and impact of your learning and management work, and how they contribute to your personal and professional growth and development. You also need to reward yourself and others for your efforts, dedication, and accomplishments. By celebrating and rewarding, you can boost your motivation, confidence, and morale.

6 Seek support and guidance

The sixth and final step to managing your time effectively is to seek support and guidance. As an adult learner and manager, you don't have to do it all alone. You can benefit from the help and advice of others who have been in your shoes or who have expertise or experience that you can learn from. You can reach out to your network, mentors, coaches, peers, or friends for support, guidance, or feedback. You can also join or create a learning community or a mastermind group where you can share your challenges, successes, and best practices with other adult learners and managers. By seeking support and guidance, you can enhance your learning, management, and time management skills, and achieve your goals faster and easier.