Chuck E Cheese University

Recently I took my kids out to a place that many parents try to avoid. Yup, the madhouse that is Chuck E Cheese. I’m smart about doing this though. I take them during the day when there are very few people there (the secret to sanity at Chuck E Cheese). It’s a fun time for them and many times I can use this time to get a little work done.

I pick a table by the exit that allows me to keep an eye on them. On this particular day I was catching up on some marketing newsletters. As I sat there with my newsletters, pen and highlighter, one of the employees walked by and asked if I was in college. I explained that I wasn’t in college but that I was always learning.

Always Be Learning

You see, the reason they thought I was in college was because that is generally where learning stops for most people. For many it is in High School. They graduate and unless there is some material they have to read for their job, the learning stops.

In fact, 1/3 of high school graduates never read another book the rest of their lives. 42 percent of college grads never read another book. (Source: Jerold Jenkins, www.JenkinsGroupInc.com)

Of those who are reading books, 53 percent are reading fiction. (Source: Publishers Weekly)

And the average person is watching 4 hours a day of TV.

Business owners aren’t necessarily any better. I have talked with plenty of business owners who do not do much reading. They may have a different reason (too busy with their business), but they are still not investing in themselves.

I do find that entrepreneurs are generally avid readers but only the most successful ones. (Might want to read that last sentence again)

Continually learning is one of the biggest investments you can make in yourself. Turn off the TV and get back to school. Even if it is Chuck E Cheese University.