Chasing Excellence The Learner vs. The Knower: Which Identity is Holding You Back?
Nov 4, 2025
Trevor Ragan, founder of The Learner Lab, specializes in learning science and growth mindset strategies. He dives into the difference between a learner identity and a knower identity, emphasizing how the former fosters growth while the latter can lead to stagnation. Ragan discusses neuroplasticity and its potential for personal improvement. He introduces practical tools for reframing discomfort and advocates for exposure training to enhance resilience. Additionally, he shares insights on the Pygmalion Effect, illustrating how beliefs shape outcomes and the importance of modeling growth in educational settings.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Growth Mindset Drives Action
- A growth mindset is the belief you can change and build new skills over time through action.
- Fixed mindsets reduce action, making the belief self-fulfilling and hindering improvement.
Use Past Wins As Proof
- Reflect on skills you already built to create concrete evidence you can learn more.
- Use past learning as proof to strengthen belief in future growth.
Practice Small Skills For Momentum
- Practice a new, small skill deliberately to gather immediate evidence of growth.
- Celebrate short-term progress to build momentum and strengthen a growth identity.
