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In a video shared with PEOPLE on December 6, 2024, Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and investor known for his role on Shark Tank, introduced the principles that guide his life. With a relaxed tone, he said,
"Hey, everybody, this is Mark Cuban. And these are my rules for life."
Cuban’s rules reflect his personal and professional philosophy, built from years of navigating both entrepreneurial ventures and his family life. These guidelines offer insight into his mindset, priorities, and the key factors that have contributed to his success.
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Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban’s key life and business principles: 10 rules for success
Rule 1: Follow the scroll
Mark Cuban highlighted the importance of staying connected with the evolving digital landscape, particularly social media. He explained how he learns from his children, who are immersed in platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Cuban also emphasized that, as a tech-savvy individual, he finds it crucial to understand how algorithms influence the lives of younger generations.
"I can look over at a stoplight and see him scrolling through his Instagram or TikTok and know exactly what he's interested in," he said.
The Shark Tank investor underscored that staying connected to new technologies helps him relate to his kids and remain informed in his personal and professional life.
Rule 2: If you can’t stand alone, you can’t stay together
In his second rule, Cuban underscored the importance of independence within relationships. He highlighted that his wife’s independence and intellectual curiosity have significantly contributed to their successful marriage. He explained that she is the primary organizer of their family’s activities, managing everything from pictures for homecoming to picking the kids up.
"I show up, but she organizes it all."
The Shark Tank investor also said that despite their different roles, they make a great team and complement each other’s strengths.
Rule 3: Old habits die hard
Mark Cuban said he has remained relatively frugal despite achieving financial success. He shared that although he indulged in material purchases early in his career, he has become more selective about spending.
“I literally like even had a conversation with my wife not long ago that, okay, we're allowed to go out and buy some stuff. So if we want to, let's go look at things. But I'm not a big spender, just not.”
The Shark Tank investor said that his approach to spending reflects a shift in his priorities and a focus on maintaining a simple lifestyle.
Rule 4: It’s got to be an email
Cuban explained that his work routine is centered around efficiency, and he avoids traditional meetings or phone calls. He said he operates almost entirely through email, which allows him to maintain a flexible schedule.
"I can get everything done by sitting on a laptop or a phone anywhere in the world."
The Shark Tank investor underscored that his email preference has been instrumental in achieving his business goals while maintaining control over his time.
Rule 5: Life’s greatest delights are in unexpected combinations
Cuban explained that he enjoys experimenting with unexpected combinations, particularly when it comes to food. He shared examples of unique pairings, such as dipping french fries in milkshakes or putting mayonnaise on crackers.
"If you haven't taken a french fry and dipped it in your milkshake, you have never experienced life."
The Shark Tank investor emphasized that being open to new experiences, whether in business or personal life, is key to discovering unexpected pleasures.
Rule 6: Life is half random
Mark Cuban acknowledged that while hard work is important, luck plays a significant role in success. He explained how his fortune in the tech world, particularly through the sale of Broadcast.com, was partly due to being in the right place at the right time.
"I was born at the right time so that when the internet technology really took off... that was luck."
The Shark Tank investor said that while effort and preparation are crucial, external factors like timing are also important in achieving success.
Rule 7: You only have to be right once
Cuban emphasized that experiencing failure is an inherent aspect of the entrepreneurial process. He shared that despite experiencing numerous failures, including being fired from jobs and starting unsuccessful ventures, he only needed one success to change everything.
"It doesn't matter how many times you fail, you only have to be right once then everybody can call you an overnight success."
The Shark Tank investor said that resilience is essential, as setbacks don’t define success, but learning from them and moving forward leads to eventual triumph.
Rule 8: How you do anything is how you do everything
Cuban emphasized the importance of consistency in all areas of life. He explained that how one approaches small tasks reflects one's attitude and work ethic.
"How you do anything is how you do everything."
Cuban emphasized that this philosophy applies to all activities, whether dedicating oneself to exercise or tidying up a disorder. The Shark Tank investor highlighted that maintaining high standards in every task, big or small, leads to overall success.
Rule 9: Ask yourself, why not me?
Cuban encouraged individuals to believe in their potential and challenge self-doubt. He highlighted the significance of questioning oneself with, “Why not me?” when confronted with uncertainty or major choices.
"Why can't I be the one who changes the world?"
Cuban explained that this mindset empowers people to take risks and pursue their goals, regardless of the challenges they may face. He also highlighted how this mentality applies to innovation, encouraging people to think that they can create the next big idea or company.
Rule 10: The will to prepare leads to win
In his final rule, Cuban emphasized that success is not just about having the will to win but also about the will to prepare. He explained that many people fail to achieve success because they are overwhelmed by life’s practicalities, such as mortgages and car payments.
"Everybody's got the will to win but it's only those with the will to prepare that do win."
The Shark Tank investor highlighted that preparation is key to turning ideas into reality; without it, even the best ideas will not come to fruition.
Tune in for fresh episodes of Shark Tank on Fridays at 8 pm ET and stream anytime on Hulu!
