> leaving only mental capability as a differentiator
I think a huge part of most sports (especially combat ones) is muscle memory. You don't have time to think between moves. So if you want to be good you'll still have to work for days and make your body learn.
And if you think muscle memory is bullshit, try to remember how driving was hard at first and nowadays you can almost sleep through your commute.
I think that’s the same with coding in a stack you really familiar with, especially if you’re fluent in your editor. Sometimes your mind is a few steps ahead of what you’re actually writing. The bulk of the work is below the focus level.
I think a huge part of most sports (especially combat ones) is muscle memory. You don't have time to think between moves. So if you want to be good you'll still have to work for days and make your body learn.
And if you think muscle memory is bullshit, try to remember how driving was hard at first and nowadays you can almost sleep through your commute.