At 52, I've had the best work year of my life (I just knocked wood a hundred times). I have always done my best - putting my nose to the grindstone and gettin' it done. I'm accommodating and prompt. And I've persevered, never giving up when I felt like I didn't have it in me anymore. What has changed that helped me hit a certain stride (knocking wood again)? I stopped waiting. I stopped waiting for other people to help me, say "yes," give me permission, tell me I'm good, and give me the f#%king keys to my own city. I don't need the f#%king keys. I am the city.