Kieran Treadwell is into his sports psychology but says it was a text message from his fiancee Beth that was his big career turning point.
Treadwell got three Ireland caps in the summer of 2017, then had to wait until this year's Six Nations for his next one.
The Ulster second row has remained in Andy Farrell's plans since then.
Read more: Ulster Rugby announce new contracts for influential pair
After coming off the bench against South Africa for his ninth Test appearance, is in line for only his second Ireland start in the Autumn series clash with Fiji on Saturday.
"It was a bit unexpected to get that Six Nations inclusion," said the 27-year-old.
"Then I just thought to myself, ‘I have a taste for this. I’m not letting this go again. I’ve got to keep on performing'.
"It took a bit of time but it’s such a good environment.
"You can try things - not be really loose with the ball, but you can ask questions and be yourself. You actually learn a lot quicker."
Treadwell's focus is on letting go of external pressure and sticking to what he can influence and achieve. He credits Beth with providing the key to that.
"She would text before my games, 'Good luck' or whatever," he said.
"Once she texted, 'Go out and enjoy yourself' and I remember looking at it and thinking, ‘yeah, I will.’
"It was quite early on in the season for Ulster and I was like 'Oh, I've actually read it and this has actually sunk in’.
"That was the trigger for me. Obviously there's the pressure of a big occasion, but you have to remember to enjoy it and play the best rugby you can, because you’ve been selected for a reason.
"That’s when I play my best rugby.
"Sometimes the pressure does get on top of you a bit.
"But when you're in minis and stuff like that it's always, 'Go out and enjoy yourself first,’ and you do sort of forget that.
"That doesn't mean don't do your homework and all the extras that you need to do to be the best player that you can be, but it was a massive turning point for me."
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