James Hume says he has changed his mindset and is reaping the rewards on the rugby pitch.
The Ulster centre scored his first try of the season in last weekend's 24-17 victory over the Lions in round five of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Capped three times by Ireland, the 25-year-old is finding form again after an injury on tour in New Zealand last year put his international career on hold.
The Belfast man said a chat with former Ulster and Ireland winger Craig Gilroy made him appreciate how precious his playing career was.
"There is no better feeling running out, I relish it every time I go onto the pitch now," he said ahead of Saturday’s trip to Glasgow (7.35pm).
"After talking to Craig Gilroy, we talked about when you retire, you will end up missing it so much.
"Every time I run out now, I want to soak it up. My role is different in the team, my mindset is different and I’m seeing it pay off.
"I feel in a much better place than I have been.
"Dealing with stuff off the pitch, I feel I’m bringing that onto the pitch and bringing some of that emotion into it. I feel like I'm in a good place while dealing with it."
Hume was twice involved in Ulster’s opening try against the Lions, making the break that put the team on the front foot before taking the final pass and dotting down.
"I had a good carry to the right, a sweep with Jake and scored," he said.
"The past couple of weeks of frustration and emotion all just came out in my celebration."
Dan McFarland will name his side for the clash in Scotstoun tomorrow at midday and new arrival Steven Kitshoff may feature.
"It’s similar to when Duane Vermeulen and Marcell Coetzee came in, they bring a wealth of experience from different parts of the game," said Hume of the 31-year-old prop.
"To win two World Cups and have that level of experience will be invaluable to the squad, I’m excited to learn off him and see how he carries himself in certain situations. We will thrive off that calmness and experience."
Glasgow have won four from five so far this season, their only reverse coming in Galway against Connacht, who also handed Ulster their solitary loss of the campaign.
"They are a very good side, they have a very different attacking style with very dangerous backs," said Hume.
"We learned that from the pre-season match we played against them in Cavan, but we are in a good moment, our attacking shape is sharp and our defence is constantly improving.
"We are gaining confidence with each week. This weekend is a challenge but an exciting one that we will take head on."
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