Creating something brilliant is a two-step process—first you gather the dots and the second part is you connect them.
The more unique the connections you can make, the more respected you are.
Thus, neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to reform itself in response to new conditions. If you’ve been sprinting at a task with little headway, maybe you just need to simmer down, and let your brain create new neural networks.
This applies to effective learning too—the first part you gather as much dots as you can; the second part, you rest, sleep, let your brain completely relax to connect and lighten those neural paths.
Plastic means adapting; taking on a new form and structure. It is the opposite of elastic which is something returning to its initial shape and size.
The neuro connotes the central nervous system; of which the governing part is the brain.
So neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to restructure itself to changing conditions. This is necessary when you learn new things, try to create stuff, need healing from a trauma, etc.
The brain is plastic and can be stretched to accommodate new experiences.