Never complain and never explain.
Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.
If you think you can do it, you can.
The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
You never know what motivates you.
Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.
Know or listen to those who know.
If you're going through hell, keep going.
Do not weep do not wax indignant. Understand.
Wherever you are - be all there.
I spent many years trying to write a lot like Ben Folds or John Lennon or Rivers Cuomo. I think that's healthy when you're learning to write and seeing how chords fit together and how songs take shape.