Mark Cuban says an NBA legend taught him this 9-word mantra—it helps you ‘differentiate’ yourself from other people

Mark Cuban, renowned for his success as an entrepreneur and investor, values advice from athletes, with one of his cherished principles originating from Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. In a recent interview with GQ, Cuban shared the mantra that resonates with him: “How you do anything is how you do everything.”


Cuban emphasized the universality of this powerful philosophy, asserting its relevance across diverse domains such as sports, sales, computer programming, and creative writing. He underscored the importance of persistent effort, stating, “Whatever it may be, you’ve got to keep doing it and doing it. And it’s by effort. The more you do it, the better you get at it.”

Having internalized this lesson, Cuban applies it both professionally and personally, passing it on to his three children despite their weariness of hearing it. To him, the mantra encapsulates a broader message: shortcuts are seldom worthwhile, and meticulous attention to small details often yields significant dividends.


Cuban lamented the prevalence of shortcuts, particularly in sports and life, emphasizing the significance of focusing on the minutiae and small details. He believes that those who neglect these aspects fail to set themselves apart or distinguish their efforts.

While perfection may not always be the outcome of practice, numerous studies affirm that it undoubtedly fosters proficiency. A 2017 study from Brown University highlights the advantages of continued repetition even after achieving perfection, a concept termed “overlearning.” This repetitive practice aids in the deep-rooted assimilation of a newly acquired skill, increasing the likelihood of demonstrating mastery in subsequent sessions.


Mark Cuban, a staunch advocate of relentless effort, has consistently emphasized its value, considering it “the one thing in life you can control.” This commitment to effort has been a lifelong practice for Cuban, particularly evident in his entrepreneurial endeavors. His journey began at the age of 12 when he ventured door-to-door selling boxes of garbage bags in his Pittsburgh neighborhood to save up for new sneakers. During his teenage years, he sold stamps, partly funding his college education.


In his 20s, Cuban founded Microsolutions, a software business that he later sold to CompuServe for $6 million in 1990. Subsequently, he launched Broadcast.com, an audio streaming service, which Yahoo acquired for an impressive $5.7 billion nine years later. As of the latest update on Friday, Cuban’s net worth stands at $6.15 billion, according to Bloomberg, underscoring the success he has achieved through his unwavering dedication to effort and perseverance.


Source: cnbc.com