DEFINE PROBLEM POSING EDUCATION

8. Make Learning a Lifetime Priority for Growth and Fun.

In today's information age, believing you can launch or grow a successfulbusiness or career without continuing education is a guarantee of failure. Successful people respect the complexity of their professions. They become students for life.

Researchers say most of us have learned 80% of everything we know by the time we're eight years old, when we're still enthralled by every new discovery. How sad is that? I don't know about you, but I like to think I'm a lot smarter now than when I was eight.

Rekindle that childhood enthusiasm. Pick up a book today. Turn off the TV and tune in to an inspirational speaker. This is the best New Year's resolution you can make for yourself.

Learning really is kid stuff. Commit to enjoying it. Start today. Be a child again.

• Most of us have taken at least one walk down the aisles of Toys "R" Us. There's no better place than a toy store to observe these truths: Learning is fun. Learning is kid stuff.
• Kids are smart enough to reject anything they don't like, yet many of the most popular toys are dedicated to teaching them something new. Note the tremendous success of the LeapFrog® toys. They teach reading, writing and more, and kids love them.
• No matter your age, abilities or income level, you can always be a learner. People who continue to grow and learn are happy – like kids. Here are eight great ways to keep that childlike grin on your face while you learn:

1. Fire Up Your Desire to Learn with Fun.

• At its best, learning is a form of entertainment. Next time you walk down the toy aisle, notice how many ways the educational toys make learning fun. They use music, color, pictures and physical interaction. How much more interesting is that than sitting for an hour listening to an important but dull lecture? No wonder the really great educational toys are so popular.
• Studying a topic that interests you shouldn't require a double espresso to keep you from falling asleep. If that's happening, you might have the wrong instructor. Who needs that? Seek out trainers who know how to deliver a message with punch. Not only will you enjoy it more, you'll want to learn and you'll retain more of the information.