Mark Cuban: Billionaires Who Claim They Could Do It All Again Are 'Lying Their A Off'

Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has a blunt message for those who believe that becoming a billionaire is purely a matter of hard work and talent: you're wrong. In a recent video for Wired's "Tech Support" series, Cuban asserted that luck and timing are the critical ingredients for racking up a 10-plus-figure net worth. "The reality is in order to become a billionaire, the one thing you have to have is luck. Any billionaire who tells you they could just do it again…. no," he said.

Cuban's candor challenges the conventional narrative of self-made billionaires, which often portrays them as solely the result of hard work, talent, and strategic decisions. This perspective has significant implications for aspiring entrepreneurs. It suggests that while hard work, talent, and strategic decisions are crucial, they are not sufficient on their own. Entrepreneurs should also focus on increasing their luck by being in the right place at the right time, which can involve networking, staying informed about industry trends, and being open to new opportunities.



Cuban's emphasis on luck and timing is not just a philosophical stance; it is backed by his own experiences. His journey from a modest upbringing to billionaire status is a testament to the role of luck and timing in his success. Cuban's first significant financial milestone came when he sold his software company, MicroSolutions, for $6 million in 1990. Less than a decade later, he joined the billionaire class by selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo! for $5.7 billion. These deals not only solidified his financial standing but also showcased his ability to foresee and capitalize on emerging technological trends.

Cuban's advice to "do everything you can to increase your luck" underscores the importance of being proactive in seeking out favorable circumstances. He believes that success of that scale is largely beyond any individual’s control, and to focus on what they can control, such as their habits and mindset. Cuban's daily habits of reading, being curious, and being agile have significantly contributed to his success. These habits are not only backed by science but also align with his personal experiences and the strategies he has employed throughout his career.

1. Reading: Cuban emphasizes the importance of reading extensively. He states, “Read, read, read, read, read!” and underlines the word “READ” on a whiteboard, adding, “Gotta learn!” Science supports this habit, showing that regular readers are happier, healthier, and more emotionally intelligent. Reading rewires the brain to help focus and grasp complex information, which is crucial for making informed decisions and staying ahead in a competitive environment. For individuals aiming for financial success, adopting a habit of reading can provide the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the complexities of the business world.

2. Being Curious: Cuban believes that curiosity is essential for staying informed and adaptable. He says, “Sh*t changes. You gotta always be curious. You gotta know what’s up. You gotta stay on top of it.” Research indicates that curiosity drives learning, helps focus and engage, and enhances memory. By being curious, individuals can stay updated with the latest trends and innovations, which is vital for identifying new opportunities and making strategic decisions. For example, Cuban's curiosity led him to invest in emerging technologies and industries, such as cryptocurrency and blockchain, which have contributed to his financial success.

3. Being Agile: Cuban stresses the importance of being agile and adaptable. He concludes, “Because the sh*t’s changing, ’cause you’re always learning this new stuff that you’re curious about, you always gotta be agile and be able to adapt.” Agility results in significant gains in efficiency, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, and operational performance, according to a McKinsey research project. Being agile allows individuals to quickly respond to changes in the market, seize new opportunities, and avoid potential pitfalls. For instance, Cuban's agility enabled him to pivot from one successful venture to another, such as selling MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com, and then investing in the Dallas Mavericks and other profitable businesses.

In summary, Cuban's habits of reading, being curious, and being agile have been instrumental in his success. These habits can be applied by individuals aiming for significant financial success by providing the knowledge, adaptability, and strategic insights needed to navigate the ever-changing business landscape. Cuban's message is clear: while luck and timing are essential, cultivating the right habits and mindset can increase the odds of achieving improbably big dreams.