“The Learning Place” Isn’t Always New—But It’s Always Worth Visiting
Pursuit Physical Therapy embraces Dr. Becky Kennedy's concept of "The Learning Place"—the crucial transitional phase between not knowing and proficiency.
This space, often uncomfortable, is vital for building resilience and learning from experiences, both in physical therapy and life. Instead of shame when facing setbacks, The Learning Place encourages curiosity, reflection, and growth.
Even with familiar concepts like posture or pacing, true learning often involves seeing old things differently, especially after real-life experiences highlight their importance.
Being in The Learning Place requires courage and an open mind, and it's a key step forward in healing, which involves both physical and mental aspects. Pursuit Physical Therapy offers support without judgment to help individuals navigate The Learning Place and continue learning and growing.
There’s a concept from Dr. Becky Kennedy that we love around here—it’s called The Learning Place. She usually talks about it in the context of parenting or child development, but we’ve found it rings just as true in the world of physical therapy… and honestly, in life as a whole.
Here’s the idea: The Learning Place describes the transitional phase between not knowing how to do something and becoming proficient at it. This space is crucial for developing resilience and tenacity, as it allows individuals to navigate challenges and learn from their experiences. Dr. Becky emphasizes that while this phase can be uncomfortable, it's essential for growth and should be embraced rather than avoided.
Fear and frustration is often times where we go when we realize something didn’t go the way we hoped. Maybe we made a mistake, repeated an old habit, or just hit a wall. The Learning Place helps us go not to a place of shame or failure—instead a place of curiosity. Reflection. Growth.
At Pursuit Physical Therapy, we see this all the time. A patient comes in frustrated: “I’ve done PT before,” “I already know I’m supposed to stretch,” or “This pain shouldn’t still be here.” We get it. It’s hard when it feels like you’re circling the same mountain over and over again.
But here’s the truth: learning, especially as adults, doesn’t always mean something is brand new. Sometimes, it just means you’re seeing an old thing differently.
It might be the third time you’ve heard us talk about posture, but this time—after a long road trip or a week chasing toddlers around—it finally clicks: Oh, this is what they meant about core engagement.
It might be the fiftieth time you’ve been told to slow down, but only now—after pushing too hard and flaring up that old injury again—you’re actually ready to listen to your body.
That’s The Learning Place.
It’s not failure to end up there. It’s not going backward. In fact, it’s often the most important step forward you can take.
We believe healing isn’t just about muscles and joints—it’s about mindset. And the truth is, being in The Learning Place requires courage. You have to be willing to try again. To stay curious. To say, “I thought I knew this, but maybe there’s more to learn.”
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or just trying to move through life a little stronger and a little more connected to your body—we’re here to walk with you. Without judgment. Without shame. Just a whole lot of support and a belief in your ability to grow, even if the lesson isn’t brand new.
So if you’re ready to step into The Learning Place with us—whether through one-on-one therapy or in one of our movement classes—we’d love to help you get started.
Let’s keep learning—together.
the power of belonging
You know me, you know Aggie maroon. Weekends in College Station, baseball scores, a sea of maroon—it's more than a team, it's a connection. But it's not just Aggieland. Your gym, your neighborhood, your favorite bookstore—we all crave belonging.
We tell ourselves success is solo, but we're wired for connection. Recovery, fitness, movement—a supportive group makes all the difference. It's accountability, encouragement, shared wins. Motivation fades, but commitment thrives in community. We're stronger together.
For those that know me, you probably would be quick to be able to spout off a couple of quick facts about the people we belong to. Me and my family are die hard Fightin' Texas Aggies. You'll find us heading down to Aggieland most weekends in the fall, checking baseball scores in the spring and sporting a mainly maroon wardrobe. What can we say, we like being a part of what some like to call a "cult." We like to ride the highs of the occasional win in football but even more than that, there's something so special about meeting others all around town or the US who called College Station their home away from home for some time. We tend to understand each other, quickly linking up in ideals, morals, work ethic etc. While we aren't fully alike, there are several common threads that tend to bind us all together.
Other groups that you belong to can act this same way. Where you workout, where you grew up, the church you belong to, the coffee shop you frequent, the running store you love to shop at...these are all commonalities that instantly bind you to the others.
We like to think that success is just a matter of willpower—set a goal, stay disciplined, and push through. But the truth is, we’re not meant to do hard things alone. Whether you're recovering from an injury, building strength, or just trying to move more, having a supportive group around you can be the difference between giving up and pushing forward.
Belonging to a community creates accountability, encouragement, and momentum. When you're surrounded by people who share your goals—whether it’s a rehab group, a workout class, or even just a friend who checks in on you—you’re more likely to stay committed. There’s something powerful about knowing others are walking the same path, facing the same challenges, and celebrating the same small wins.
Science backs this up. Studies show that people who engage in social support while pursuing health and fitness goals are more likely to stick with them long-term. Why? Because motivation comes and goes, but commitment thrives in connection. When you have people cheering you on, showing up with you, and holding you accountable, it’s easier to keep moving forward—especially on the tough days.
So if you’re struggling to stay consistent, maybe the missing piece isn’t another goal or another plan—it’s finding the right people to take the journey with you. Surround yourself with a group that lifts you up, challenges you, and reminds you why you started. Because when you belong to something bigger than yourself, reaching your goals becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
Looking for that kind of support? Join a class, book a session, or come to a workshop. Let’s build strength—together.