Learning difficult concepts is only one aspect of developing perseverance - which is probably the greater ability to master. Others are finishing what you start, developing habits to complete undesirable tasks (like regular exercise or doing the dishes) and overcoming fear.

The latter is something you see creep in as you get older and it's something that's always attracted me to hobbies that require you to keep your nerve like skiing, scuba diving and flying planes. There's nothing like having to land a plane solo with a bit of a crosswind to give you confidence in yourself.