Mark Cuban Quotes

Five pieces of career and life advice from entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban, with commentary.

1. Work like someone is trying to take it from you

Cuban's line: "Work like there is someone working 24 hours a day to take it away from you." Whatever you have (a job, a business, a position) could be taken by someone hungrier. Keep that in mind and keep giving your best.

2. It's in the doing

"It's not in the dreaming, it's in the doing." We're told to dream big, but dreams are only thoughts. Want to be a physiotherapist? Apply to the course. A politician? Volunteer on local campaigns. A writer? Start submitting work. Action is what changes things (see The "Do Something" Principle).

3. You're the one pouring the water

Whether the glass is half-empty or half-full matters less than the fact that you control how much goes in. Setbacks (a missed opportunity, a betrayal, a loss) can make life feel empty, but you decide how you respond.

4. Avoid doing it "the way it's always been done"

Cuban says that when he sees everyone following the same old approach, he takes it as a sign to look elsewhere. Complacency is dangerous. Seek out companies and people who keep evolving, take risks outside your comfort zone, and don't fear being different.

5. Every "no" gets you closer to a "yes"

A failed test, a rejected application, someone telling you "you can't": none of it means defeat. Each no is part of the story and brings you closer to the yes you're after, which is often better than what the no would have given you. (Compare 10 Reasons Rejections Actually Lead to Deeper Connections.)

1. Work like someone is trying to take it from you

2. It's in the doing

3. You're the one pouring the water

4. Avoid doing it "the way it's always been done"

5. Every "no" gets you closer to a "yes"

See also