I think blaming this all on learners not realizing their missing potential is a bit one sided. Other influences: * Skill level of coworkers * No time is dedic

I think blaming this all on learners not realizing their missing potential is a bit one sided. Other influences: * Skill level of coworkers * No time is dedicated by the team to abstractions / refactoring due to deadlines, or personal preference etc. * The technology being used is limiting or used in a limiting way. If you never push your boundaries you'll never get better. Going to 100% one time will have a lasting effect. If you instead only go to 80% all the time you'll only get better at doing a mediocre job. However, the goals might be misaligned here: Your employer and coworkers might not be interested in your personal growth. Instead they want you to "Get stuff done."