I write songs because that's the thing I chose to do. And I can't help writing them, that's a fact. Sometimes I felt as though you worked to justify your existence, but you don't; you work to exist, and vice versa, and that's it, really.

In the end, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and those you love and work hard. I mean, work like there's no tomorrow. Train. Strive. I mean, really train and cultivate your talent to the highest degree. Be the best at what you do. Get to know more about your field than anybody alive. Use the tools of your trade, if it's books or a floor to dance on or a body of water to swim in. Whatever it is, it's yours.

The secret to success is to make your vocation your vacation.

Fame is a by-product. It's not a goal. What matters is loving your work and loving what you do.

When work becomes play, and play becomes your work, your life unfolds.

When you're around me and really see that all I do is live and breathe for my work, it's not strange, it's just Gaga.