Carlos Ruiz Zafon Quotes

I really do think that is why this country is so great: If you want to accomplish something, then you must do it.

If someone else isn't making it happen for you, make it happen yourself.

The important thing is to concentrate upon what you can do - by yourself, upon your own initiative.

I make my own opportunities no matter what.

You have to do the work. You have to make the opportunity. It doesn’t find you, you find it.

People talk about getting lucky breaks in their careers. I’m living proof that the “lucky breaks” theory is simply wrong. You get to make your own luck... The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked.

Nothing is going to be handed to you -- you have to make things happen.

things cannot be expected to turn up of themselves. We must in a measure assist to turn them up

As one goes through life, one learns that if you don't paddle your own canoe, you don't move.

You get given an opportunity, and that is the jumping board; from there you have to build your own path.

The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can't find them, make them.

A man must make his opportunity, as oft as find it.

Nothing comes sailing by itself.

Freedom requires us to view people as wanting the opportunity to earn their success.

No one will improve your lot if you do not yourself.

The whole idea is you can't sit around and do nothing. You have to get up and start living one day at a time. That's what I did my entire career. You can't sit around and say, 'Oh, poor me. Nobody likes me. Nobody is giving me a job.' You have to get up and go. If you sit at home and do nothing, that is what is going to happen.

You wait for fate to bring about the changes in life which you should be bringing about by yourself.

Nothing has been handed to me my entire life. You have to go there and take it. My mom taught me that.

My main advice is, if it's something you really want to do, then just go for it.

When I came to Swansea, no one said to me: 'Whatever happens you're going to be No. 1.' But I felt I would at least have the chance to start or be given an opportunity and then it would be up to me to take it.

I know it's probably not the answer people want to hear, but if you don't get to where you want to go after 'The Voice,' I believe that's on you.

My evolution came not as a plan but as opportunities came. People offer them when they see you're doing something well. It's up to you to recognize them, take them, and then dedicate yourself to them.

Make up your mind what you want to do, and go and get it. Make sure it is not at the expense of anyone else, though.

When I get the opportunity, I try my best.

I know that the harder you work, the more you learn, the more connections you make. You've just got to be prepared to keep putting yourself out there. You have to make it happen.