I'll probably say it's just magic, with a mysterious look on my face.
It is funny. Hehe. So you are not ready to share your strategies.
I think the gesture of state manager is laudable. Giving appreciation where it is due is important I think. I felt it a bit strange that you drove the feelings like complacency from the response of the manager. I think such an appreciation is a reason for more motivation. You realize that someone has witnessed your skills and now you have more responsibility to maintain that image and expectations.
RE: Contemplation of comfort and confrontation