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Neuroplasticity and the Brain

Updated: Mar 23

"Let it Grow"


A few years ago, I took a weekly dance class whereby the teacher used to love to talk about neuroplasticity

and how important it was for people in their “golden years” and even those much younger.


Here comes the best part of the story—my teacher taught us the EXACT SAME DANCE STEPS every week!


How’s that for a perfect example of “do as I say, not as I do”? I think her intentions were pure. Her delivery however, didn’t make the mark! But she did get me thinking about neuroplasticity and how important it was, especially for someone my age.


For those unfamiliar with the term, neuroplasticity is the brain’s remarkable ability to rewire itself, develop new neural pathways and strengthen existing ones (even those that have weakened over time) all of which are so important when it comes to learning, memory and adapting to change.


In moving forward, how can we start to rewire our brains? The list is endless. Learn a new skill. Master a foreign language. Travel. Break out of your daily routine and change things up a bit. In other words, keep your brain on its toes. I personally found that doing Wordle, Connections and Strands, watching Jeopardy AND doing the Jeopardy calendar are all fun and a great way to stimulate your brain, along with reading and listening to books. I’ve also made travel a priority which can sometimes be mentally challenging (in a good

way) as you navigate unfamiliar waters.


But speaking of familiarity, I’m fortunate to be surrounded by some of the sharpest minds in WSDaH and was excited to hear how some Family members are “fine tuning” (some vis a vis a musical instrument!) their minds as time goes by. Perhaps you’ll be motivated after reading their stories.


Staying sharp as an entrepreneur


“Inspiration! Move me brightly. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to adapt, reorganize, and form new neural pathways. And modern understanding of neuroplasticity has reshaped how we understand aging and cognition. Rather than accepting mental decline as a given, we now know the brain remains remarkably malleable well into later life. For founders, builders, and professionals navigating increasingly complex and dynamic environments, this insight is more than scientific trivia—it’s a strategic advantage.


For me, in my own career, staying mentally agile isn’t about keeping busy; it’s about deliberately engaging in the kinds of challenges that demand adaptation, reinvention, and growth. As an entrepreneur, my most fundamental skill is making good decisions, and mental agility is the absolute foundation for that. Without it, my decisions are much more likely to be sub-optimal or even worse, wrong.


After selling FEW Spirits to a strategic, I didn’t step back—I shifted gears. I didn’t sell out—I sold in. Rather than coasting, I started designing and building again: from launching a new CPG brand that hasn’t been announced yet to writing a book on brand-building (also unannounced!) to pursuing more roll ups. I lean into work that forces me to learn: whether it’s grasping AI tools, building a consumer funnel from scratch, or modeling long-term financials for a whiskey distillery or identifying roll up targets, and more. I learn from others

with dramatically different professional lives as we can all learn from each other and make each of us better at what we do. These aren’t just projects—they’re deliberate cognitive training, grounded in the science of neuroplasticity. But this work keeps me questioning, growing, and fully engaged.


The goal isn’t just intellectual stimulation for its own sake—it’s cognitive resilience. Every time I navigate an unfamiliar domain or work across disciplines (e.g., combining branding, finance, law, and manufacturing), I’m reinforcing neural pathways that support strategic thinking, adaptability, and creativity. I also keep my mind flexible by working with younger teams, embracing emerging technologies, and maintaining a consistent

rhythm of reading, writing, and creative experimentation.


While markets shift and technologies change, our capacity to adapt and grow remains constant. Neuroplasticity isn’t just a concept—it’s a daily practice. For entrepreneurs with long horizons, it may be our most powerful—and most overlooked asset. And in the end, it may be the only real asset we ever truly own.”

Paul Hletko, President/Founder, FEW Spirits


Environmentally sound


“As a civil engineer by training, I enjoy learning about how things work and problem solving. I find nothing is more stimulating to my mind than working through a problem and finding a solution. It could be an issue with my car, a house project, a plumbing repair, or fixing broken electronics. I’m not always successful at handling things myself, but I try to avoid relying on outside help as an initial reaction when something comes up.


If I have some time to kill on my phone, I try to opt for engaging games and apps instead of scrolling through social media. Games/puzzles I find engaging and fun include Wordle, Connections, Words With Friends, Couch Potato Salad, and crossword puzzles. I also try to do addition/subtraction tasks in my head or on paper instead of always relying on a calculator.


Another way I keep my brain stimulated is by trying to avoid monotony and repetition. I make a conscious effort to try new restaurants, use a new recipe, drive a different route, etc. I will challenge myself to make small talk with a stranger and embrace social interactions that may be out of my comfort zone. I try to keep an open mind and be accepting of new ways to do things, new technology, and change in general.


I have read that keeping your body healthy is good for brain health and mental wellbeing. Therefore, I do my best to have a good diet and get plenty of physical exercise. In my experience there are definite benefits here.


If I know I have a mentally taxing day ahead of me I will make getting some exercise in the morning a priority. Doing this seems to give my brain a boost and extra endurance to make it through a challenging day.”


Learning to be vulnerageous


“As I continue along this journey we call life, I’ve become increasingly aware of the limitless opportunities for growth and freedom that are often right in front of us—if only we have the ‘eyes to see’. Embracing them, however, requires cultivating a spirit of being vulnerageous, a blend of vulnerability and courage. For me, this has meant being intentional about stepping into the unknown and trying new things.


I often introduce myself as an 'entrepreneurial creative’ and follow it with the statement, ‘I reinvent myself every five to seven years.’ It’s always fascinating to see people’s reactions. Some find it exciting; others question whether I simply can’t sit still (a case of ADD). But when I reflect on my life, I can say with certainty that these reinventions have brought me great joy and deep fulfillment.


We often hear the advice to ‘be the best version of yourself.’ While that sounds inspiring, I’ve come to believe that there are countless versions of ourselves we could explore—and one lifetime may not be enough to experience them all. So, if you haven’t met your ‘next version’ yet, perhaps it’s time to experiment. Shake things up, rearrange your living space, try a new type of food, learn a foreign language, or attempt something you’re always been afraid to try. These small acts can transform your mindset and even sprinkle some joy

back into your life.


I invite you to begin today—a journey of learning to be vulnerageous. Step into something new. Let yourself be both brave and open. It’s good for your mental health, it can deepen relationships, and who knows? It might even extend your time here on this beautiful planet. It will certainly make it more enjoyable.”


Picture perfect


“I have always had a strong memory, even recalling who watched over me in my nursery crib. A few years ago, my father began developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. My mom bought word search and hidden object books for them to do together, and I joined in. I found these puzzles a great way to connect with my dad and was impressed by how clear my mind felt afterward. As his health declined and he moved to a nursing home, I brought the books to him and did the searches for us while he watched and cheered me on, which was verymeaningful.


These days, I always carry a puzzle book in my beach tote. This habit isn’t new—during a 10-week trip abroad in Europe and Greece after graduating with my MBA, I became so hooked on word searches that when English puzzles were unavailable, I swiftly moved into French, Italian, and German versions. For me, finding the right combination of characters is a fun challenge, no matter the language.


My work in investor relations also challenges my memory daily. I often create meeting schedules, coordinating 1:1 meetings for multiple clients at multi-day conferences. As the main point person for several CEOs, I tend to memorize each client’s schedule. Some say I’m a bit OCD, but this skill is invaluable when last-minute changes arise and I need to quickly adjust schedules while keeping all commitments in place.


In addition, my design background keeps my brain engaged as I review and fine-tune corporate presentations, catching small details others might miss. Recently, I took up origami gift wrapping as a new craft. During the 2024-25 holidays, I practiced intricate wrapping and bow-tying techniques. My first present took two hours, but I felt proud, and now I find myself getting faster and more creative with every celebration.


As you can see, activities keep my memory sharp, add creativity and joy to my life, and keep those around me always on their toes about what I will be up to next.”


Strumming through life: Learning guitar with my teenage daughter


“As I go through my daily grind as a real estate attorney and as I am about to enter into a new chapter in life as an ‘empty nester’, I’ve found a refreshing and meaningful way to keep my mind engaged—learning guitar alongside my teenage daughter. What began as a casual idea a couple of years ago has blossomed into a shared journey of creativity, connection, and cognitive stimulation. Picking up the guitar has not only challenged me intellectually but has also deepened the bond I share with my daughter in ways I hadn’t

anticipated.


The decision to learn guitar was driven by a desire to keep my mind active and agile but also by my jealousy watching my daughter play various guitar solos that I always dreamed of being able to play. As we age, mental stimulation becomes increasingly important, and music offers a unique blend of discipline and artistry that is mentally challenging. From memorizing various scales, chords, and hand movements as well as working on my hand-eye coordination, every practice session truly is a mental workout. It’s a satisfying challenge that I

hope will keep me sharp and focused, while also providing a sense of accomplishment with each new song mastered.


Learning alongside my daughter has added a beautiful layer to the experience. Teenagers often seek independence, and finding common ground can be tricky. But music has become our bridge. Not only do I encourage her to keep playing, I love the fact that she is teaching me. Watching her progress and seeing her passion grow has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the music—it’s about the moments we share, the conversations sparked by our lessons, and the mutual respect that grows when we learn together. I also

get to introduce her to my favorite genres of music from classic rock to my favorite jam bands. These moments remind me that learning is a lifelong journey, and that it’s never too late to pick up a new skill.


Beyond the cognitive benefits, playing guitar has also helped me manage stress and improve my overall well-being. The act of creating music is meditative, offering a sense of calm and focus. It’s a healthy escape from screens and schedules, and a way to reconnect with myself and my daughter. The joy of her teaching me and me being able to introduce her to various styles of music has become a cherished part of our routine,

something we both look forward to.


In a world that often feels fast-paced and fragmented, learning guitar with my daughter has grounded me. It’s a reminder that growth doesn’t have to be solitary, and that the best learning happens when it’s shared. This journey has not only kept my mind stimulated but has also filled my heart with gratitude. As I become an empty nester, I hope to continue this journey even if the journey takes my daughter and I in different directions. I can’t wait to see how this journey continues to play out.”


How are you keeping your brain stimulated as you get older? We’d love to hear your stories. “Let it flow, greatly flow, wide and clear…”


“The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled” - Plutarch

 
 
 

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