It might come as a surprise to learn that the brain responds to training in much the same way as our muscles, even though most of us never think about it that way. Clear thinking, focus, creativity and good judgment are built through challenge, when the brain is asked to stretch beyond routine rather than run on autopilot. That slight mental discomfort is often the sign that the brain is actually being trained, a lot like that good workout burn in your muscles.
Exactly. I am (still) in the happy position to get higher, so past hurdles are something I would easier get past today. I dread the days when this reverses. And while I myself will not notice, I already hate the say I start repeating the same things over and over again several times a day because I forget I already said it.