The times I've been most successful have been the product of hard work and focus, but there's also been an ease and flow to it that's unmistakable.

I'm a project guy, but when my list of things to do gets too long or involved, it can stress me out to the point of catatonia. So I focus on the small stuff first and keep the larger picture as motivation - but not so close that it overwhelms.

I find that complete trust and subsequent courage galvanizing and inspiring.

I find myself having rehearsal chats, in my head, for conversations I need to have. Sometimes they are arguments, things I need to get off my chest, award acceptance speeches. Ultimately, it clears my mind, helps me focus my thoughts, and sometimes alleviates the need for the real conversation.

Water finds the easiest path down a mountain.